§ 48. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware that farmers have to wait for a year and longer to obtain Ransome multi-furrow ploughs; what proportion of this firm's output is reserved for export; and to what extent production is being held up by lack of suitable steel.
§ The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture (Mr. George Brown)Yes, Sir, but I hope that the steps the manufacturers are taking to increase the output of these ploughs, sevenfold over the next 18 months for the home market, will enable them to catch up on the demand. Less than 20 per cent. of their output of this kind of plough is expected to be exported in 1949, although there is an even longer outstanding demand overseas. Production has been held up by lack of sufficient skilled labour as well as by shortages of suitable steel and components. We shall continue to do all we can to help overcome these difficulties.
§ Mr. HurdAre we to understand that sufficient steel of the right quality is now being made available for the manufacture of these ploughs?