§ 18. Mr. Osborneasked the Prime Minister if he is aware that the Ministry of Supply have refused to support an application for chains for agricultural machinery because agriculture is not on the Prime Minister's priority list; and, in view of the importance of this year's harvest, if he will have this matter reviewed and make a statement.
§ The Prime MinisterThe demand for precision chain of all kinds exceeds the supply, but everything possible is being done to improve the position. For the present, first priority in delivery must be given to programmes directly contributing to the expansion of fuel and power resources, but it is recognised that agriculture is also vital; it occupies the next position and as much preference as possible will be given to its requirements.