HC Deb 22 February 1949 vol 461 cc1665-6
3. Sir B. Neven-Spence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange to have a Prairie Buster plough permanently stationed in Shetland to facilitate the work of breaking in hill land.

Mr. Woodburn

I regret that the limited number of Prairie Buster ploughs held by the Tractor Service of the Department of Agriculture for Scotland will not permit of one being permanently stationed in Shetland. I shall keep the request in mind should additional ploughs of this type become available.

Sir B. Neven-Spence

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some years ago in Orkney it was found that this kind of plough with a caterpillar track was the only effective and economic means of breaking in the wet and stony hill land? What is the point of whetting our appetites for this sort of plough in the Shetlands and then denying it to us?

Mr. Woodburn

I appreciate the hon. Gentleman's point, but the number of these ploughs is limited. They are rather formidable to transport from one place to another. However, I shall keep the matter in mind.

Mr. MacLeod

Will the right hon. Gentleman keep the matter in mind for other areas in Scotland?

Mr. Woodburn

Yes.