§ 8. Mr. Thornton-Kemsleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is awa[...] that there is a shortage of metal parts for ploughs in the North-east of 1832 Scotland; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.
§ Mr. WoodburnI am not aware of any general shortage of metal parts for ploughs in the North-east of Scotland. I understand that the main distributing agents in the area for a particular firm of manufacturers have an outstanding demand for steel shares, mould-boards and slades for heavy ploughs. Increased production of these parts has been arranged by the manufacturers who hope to supply all orders within the next two or three weeks. If the hon. Member cares to let me have details of any particular cases he has in mind I should be glad to look into them.
§ Mr. Thornton-KemsleyYes, Sir, but has not the Minister heard that the local branches of the National Farmers' Union are at their wits' end about this shortage of all types of metal parts of ploughs of all makes? How can they be expected to undertake the Government's expansion programme if they have not got the spare parts for their implements?
§ Mr. WoodburnAll I can say is that if there has been this general feeling it is rather curious that they have not brought it to the notice of the people concerned.
Mr. MacPhersonCan my right hon. Friend give any estimate of what proportion of such parts are cast in Scottish foundries?
§ Mr. WoodburnNo, Sir.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that one step which could and should be taken immediately is to get the Tullos factory for making agricultural machinery re-started as soon as possible and have the men who were declared redundant there, restored to productive work?
§ Mr. WoodburnTullos did specialised work. I do not think that this particular factory deals with the spares under discussion.