§ Mr. Ness Edwardsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that farmers in the South Wales valleys are complaining of the inability to get lime for newly ploughed land; and what steps he proposes to take to deal with the situation?
Mr. HudsonThere has been a considerable increase in lime deliveries to farmers in South Wales during the five-monthly period July to November this year, as compared with the corresponding period last year. I am, however, aware that in many cases difficulty is being experienced by farmers in this area in 1553W obtaining certain grades of lime to which they had been accustomed. The erection of new plants for the production of ground limestone for agriculture is being actively promoted by my Department, with assistance, where necessary, from State funds. Arrangements have been made, or are under discussion, for the installation of seven such plants in South Wales, and it is hoped that most of these plants will be in operation in the New Year. Three new plants for the production of quicklime have also been installed, or are being installed, in this district. In addition, the attention of farmers has been drawn to other suitable forms of lime, such as limestone dust, local supplies of which are immediately available for delivery. County War Agricultural Executive Committees in the area have been informed of the sources of such supplies, and farmers would be well advised to take these alternative forms when the better-known kinds are not readily available.