HC Deb 01 August 1957 vol 574 cc1490-1
13. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to help machinery cooperatives to assist the smaller farmer to reduce the costs of mechanisation.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend will always be interested in any practical suggestions for developments of this kind on a commercial basis. Such services are already provided in various ways, for example, through contractors, co-operative societies and agricultural syndicates.

Mr. Willey

While appreciating that something has been done in this matter, does not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary realise that not sufficient is being done and that some initiative is demanded of the Government to see whether costs of mechanisation can be kept clown in this way?

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend keeps in touch with the central organisations responsible for development of agriculture generally, and if they have any suggestions we shall be happy to examine them.