HC Deb 23 April 1940 vol 360 cc42-3W
Sir I. Albery

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that much of the present threshing machinery is worn out and costly in handling; and whether steps are being taken to provide adequate new threshing machinery for the 1940 harvest?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

While it is true that some of the existing threshing equipment needs replacement, it is understood that manufacturers expect that sales of threshing machines this year through trade channels will be well in excess of normal. In addition, the Ministry is purchasing a number of machines which will be available through County War Agricultural Executive Committees. With these facilities, the threshing equipment in the country should be adequate to deal with the 1940 cereal crop.