§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture whether the return called for by his Department as at 4th June provides an accurate statement of the mechanical equipment on farms in working order; and whether, from this return, it is possible to estimate the number of tractors owned by farmers which are out of use for lack of spare parts, &c.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo. The agricultural return of 4th June does not cover mechanical equipment. A census of the main types of machinery on farms was carried out last January. The results are still being collated and, when available, will give the total number of machines of various types on farms. These will include machines under repair or waiting for spare parts. I do not consider it would be worth while to ask farmers to go to the trouble of giving these separately because the availability of spare parts, and, therefore, the possibility of taking effective action, is continually changing. I have no reason to think, however, that any large proportion of machines is out of use for long periods.