§ 38. Mr. Emrys Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to what extent mechanical potato harvesters are now used to harvest the potato crop; and what steps he will take to encourage their use.
§ Mr. John MackieThe agricultural machinery censuses in England and Wales in December, 1963, and in Scotland in February, 1964, showed 4,054 complete harvesters as compared with 2,607 three years previously. The advisory services will continue to inform farmers on the range of machines available and their potentialities, and to co-operate with the Potato Marketing Board in its annual demonstrations. Research on various aspects of mechanised potato harvesting is continuing at the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering and its Scottish Station.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Joint Parliamentary Secretary agree that it is just as necessary to have mechanical potato harvesters as it is to have supersonic aircraft? Will he do his best to convince the new Minister of Technology that machines of this kind are likely to ease the back-aching work undertaken by children who are employed in harvesting in many parts of the country?
§ Mr. SpeakerThe part about supersonic aircraft is out of order.
§ Mr. MackieI have to admit that I am in favour of potato harvesters. I agree with my hon. Friend about the hack-aching business of gathering potatoes, as I have done a lot of it myself.
§ Mr. ManuelWill my hon. Friend take note of the fact that the Perthshire education authority still releases many children from school to lift potatoes? Will my hon. Friend take this matter up with the Leader of the Opposition and ask him to exert some influence with his county council in the installation of potato harvesters so that children are not denied education in order to pick potatoes?
§ Mr. MackieI think that is a question for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.