§ 49. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the present difficulties of manufacturers of agricultural machinery owing to the extreme shortage of high carbon steel needed for making mower sections, three-ply steel for plough mould boards and discs for disc harrows; and what action he is taking to ensure that the agreed programme of production can be maintained.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir. I am aware of the present shortage of high carbon and three-ply steel. My right hon. Friend, the Minister of Supply is doing all he can to increase supplies, both from home production and from imports, so as to prevent interference with the agricultural machinery production programme.
§ Mr. HurdIs the Minister ensuring that farm machinery manufacturers get their full share in view of the commitments entered into for the export as well as the home market?
§ Mr. WilliamsWe have, of course, applied selective priority in an endeavour to achieve that result.