§ 15. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture the estimated percentage increase in cost of farm machinery replacements for 1952, 1953, 1954, and 1955, respectively.
Mr. AmoryI regret that I am unable to give exact figures but such information as is available indicates that there has been very little change in the prices of tractors and other farm machinery over the period in question.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister aware that farmers in the county of Warwickshire find that these costs are a heavy burden, and form a large part of the year's overheads? Will he do something on the lines of forming an agricultural credit bank, as suggested by my right hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams), to help the farmers in these difficult times?
Mr. AmoryOn the question of the price of this machinery, my information is that since 1952 prices have increased by only about 1 or 2 per cent.