§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Supply whether he is aware that two firms, Messrs. Spear and Jackson and Messrs. William Hunt and Sons, The Brades, Limited, both of Sheffield, have replied to a retail supplier in a Berkshire town that there is no priority for small tools for agriculture and that there are no stocks; that consequently orders having the backing of county war agricultural executive committees cannot be met, thus preventing farm labour being effectively employed; and what steps he proposes to take in view of the urgency of the position?
§ Mr. PeatI have no knowledge of the letters referred to in the first part of the Question, but if my hon. Friend will give me further particulars, including the name and address of the retailer, I shall be glad to make inquiries. A scheme for reporting shortages of agricultural hand tools in the various districts is in operation and supplies of such tools are made available, district by district, in accordance with the returns received and in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture. Returns from Berkshire disclose a shortage of certain agricultural tools in that area and directions have been issued to manufacturers to give the necessary priority to the supply of such tools.