§ 64. Mr. Douglas Marshallasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the acute shortage of ploughshares in Cornwall; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this position.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo, Sir, I am not aware that farmers in Cornwall are having any special difficulty in meeting their present needs. Production of ploughshares in this country, including the more popular types of share for imported ploughs, has increased very considerably since last autumn. Supplies should be sufficient for current use, although not yet sufficient to allow dealers to build up stocks.
§ Mr. MarshallHas the Minister received the letter which I sent him with regard to this shortage, and if he has received it, surely he must be aware of the shortage?
§ Mr. WilliamsI have already informed the hon. Member that I am not aware of any shortage of ploughshares in Cornwall at this moment.
§ Mr. MarshallWould the Minister answer my first supplementary question as to whether he has received a letter in which I informed him in detail about this matter?
§ Mr. WilliamsYes. Because of the letter which the hon. Member sent to me, I had investigations made before I replied to this Question today.
§ Lieut.-Commander Gurney BraithwaiteWould the Minister examine the situation in this respect in the East Riding of Yorkshire?
§ Mr. WilliamsCertainly, if the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars.
§ Mr. TurtonWill the right hon. Gentleman give an increased allocation of steel so that dealers may build up stocks?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. Member that if there is a shortage, it is not due to want of steel.