28. Major MeCallumasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the proposal to transfer the Department of Agriculture's tractor service for Kintyre from Campbeltown to Machrihanish and place it under a supervising engineer in Lochgilphead, will cause inconvenience and hardship to farmers in the district of Kintyre; and if he will reconsider this decision in the light of the representations which have been made by the National Farmers' Union on the subject.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe proposed changes in the organisation in Kintyre of the tractor service of the Department of Agriculture, which will take effect as from 30th March, 1948, are designed to effect more economic operation of the service in the area, and should be to the ultimate benefit of farmers in the district.
§ Major McCallumIs the Secretary of State aware that hitherto the farmers were able to go to a place in their own burgh for the tractors, whereas now the supervising engineer is to be 50 miles away to the north, and the depot for tractors is to be four miles away down a cul-de-sac, which will cause untold inconvenience and delay to farmers?
§ Mr. WoodburnMy information is contrary to that of the hon. and gallant Member. The supervising engineer will still be in the field in the same district, and although the depot has been changed they will still be able to communicate locally.
§ Major McCallumIf I write to the right hon. Gentleman will he consider the matter again?
§ Mr. WoodburnYes, Sir.