§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that it has been estimated that farmers' tractors are only used to about one-third of their capacity, he will take steps to see that war agricultural committees which use their tractors more intensively should be given preference in the supply of tractors and of skilled drivers so that a greater acreage of common and moorland may be ploughed up than is possible under existing arrangements?
Mr. HudsonCounty war agricultural executive committees have been given control over the distribution of nearly all new tractors going into agriculture and can decide how many tractors to 523W retain for their own use out of their quotas and to what applicants the balance should be sold by the manufacturers. I am always prepared to consider special provision of tractors or other machinery or labour which may be needed to undertake any reclamation work required in connection with food production.
§ Mr. Parkerasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is satisfied that the tractors belonging to the war agricultural committees are being utilised as fully as possible having regard to the distances they have to travel and the repairs they have to undergo?
Mr. HudsonSpeaking generally, the answer is "Yes, Sir." If the hon. Member has any specific case in mind and will let me have particulars I will make investigations.