HC Deb 16 February 1948 vol 447 cc830-3 The following Question stood upon the Order Paper in the name of Mr. COLLINS: 65. To ask the Minister of Agriculture whether, with a view to the more speedy provision of fixed equipment required for the food production programme, steps have been taken to carry out the recommendation of the Farm Buildings Committee that standard farm buildings should be mass-produced.

At the end of Questions—

Mr. T. Williams

With your permission, Mr. Speaker, I desire to answer Question No. 65.

Yes, Sir; I am glad to be able to tell the House that standard designs have been prepared for the main structural components of farm buildings. Arrangements have also been made for the large-scale production of the components. Steel salvaged from Anderson and Morrison shelters will be largely used, thus saving new steel. With these standard components, buildings either 18ft. or 33ft. wide can be constructed, 8ft., 12ft., or 16ft. high, and I am confident that they will be suitable for very many farm purposes. The arrangements for distribution provide for delivery within seven days of order. The components should be on sale in May. Licences will, of course, be necessary before the buildings can be erected. I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food that, in the opinion of the Overseas Food Corporation, buildings erected with these components will also be of great value to the East African groundnut scheme. The possibility of enlarging the production programme so that both home and overseas needs can be met is being explored. I am arranging for drawings and descriptions to be available for inspection in the Library.

Mr. Collins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this example of collaboration between his Department and the industry will be warmly welcomed by the farming community; can he say approximately how many of these buildings will be available within the next two years; and is it possible to consider putting up prototypes for inspection by farmers in various centres?

Mr. Williams

It is not possible to say exactly how many components are likely to be available within the next two years, but I am informed that if all those which we expect to be made, are made this year and next year, there will be sufficient to house not less than 250,000 cows, although not all the buildings will be used for that purpose.

Captain Crookshank

Can the right hon. Gentleman give an idea of the cost to farmers of these components?

Mr. Williams

Not yet.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that these buildings or prefabricated parts will not be exported so long as there is a demand for them in this country?

Mr. Williams

As stated by my hon. Friend, this scheme has been produced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, the Ministry of Works and a whole range of associations all collaborating and co-operating. The designs were prepared more or less exclusively for British farmers, who, we hope, will have first call on them. If materials can be made available, it may be possible to help the Ministry of Food with their groundnut scheme, and we shall then not only be providing houses for cows, but helping to provide feedingstuffs at the same time.

Mr. Dye

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the designs will include some that will be suitable for smallholdings which it is hoped to establish under the Act passed last year?

Mr. Williams

I think the components will be useful for a very wide range of agricultural buildings, both large and small, for the general farmer and also for horticultural purposes.

Mr. York

Do I understand the Minister to say that the parts can be made from the steel or the components of old A.R.P. buildings? In other words, are they to be melted down or will some parts of them be used?

Mr. Williams

I can only say that the steel will be drawn largely from Anderson and Morrison shelters. Just what the manufacturers will do with the parts, I am unable to say, except that I hope that they will provide us with some useful farm buildings.

Mr. Collins

Will my right hon. Friend answer the last part of my supplementary question, because the farmers will be unable to judge the merits of these buildings unless they have an opportunity of seeing them? Could he not arrange to put up several of these buildings in different parts of the country where they could be inspected?

Mr. Williams

Examples will be made available in all parts of the country.

Mr. Vane

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the distribution will be through the usual trade channels or direct by the Ministry of Works, and can he say what they will be made of in addition to steel?

Mr. Williams

Distribution will be through 15 stockholders of components, suitably situated in various parts of the country.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Will the Minister arrange for their exhibition at county shows?

Mr. Williams

Most likely.