HC Deb 03 May 1951 vol 487 c1417
49. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can give detailed figures, at the latest available date, to show the extent to which mechanisation, such as tractors and combine harvesters, has increased since 1945.

Mr. T. Williams

Agricultural machinery censuses are taken every two years and the last one was in January, 1950. There were then 332,000 tractors of all types in use on farms in Great Britain, as compared with about 203,000 in January, 1946. Particulars of the census figures for the more important types of farm machinery, including combine harvesters, are given in the published Annual Abstract of Statistics.

Sir W. Smithers

May I ask the Minister whether, since he takes credit for the increased production in this country over the last six years, he will not give some credit to increased mechanisation, which is a factor to be borne in mind?

Mr. Williams

Most certainly, especially as it was this Government which promoted the mechanisation.

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