§ 24. Mr. Peter Millsasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further discussions he has now had with the Tractor Manufacturers' Association with regard to tractor safety cabs; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartIn the absence of any indication from the tractor manufacturers that they would be willing to allow buyers of new tractors a free choice between any approved make of safety cab or frame, I see no useful purpose in holding further discussions with them. They are well aware of my view and that of my right hon. Friend that this freedom of choice is in the best interests both of safety and of competition. As I said previously in reply to my hon. Friend, consideration is being given to amending the regulations concerned.—[Vol. 806, c. 1025–6.]
§ Mr. MillsI thank the Minister for that reply. Is it not particularly unfortunate and regrettable that at this time of rising costs British agriculture should be penalised by some tractor manufacturers? Does my hon. Friend agree that the whole matter leaves a very unpleasant smell?
§ Mr. StodartWe must keep safety in the forefront of the argument. That, to my mind, is of great importance. I deplore practices which discourage farmers buying new tractors, thus thwarting our efforts to improve safety measures.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesWhilst I accept absolutely the safety point, is this not another case of the Government's competition policy going wrong?
§ Mr. StodartNo, Sir; it is not, because there is a good deal of competition between makes.