§ 99. Colonel Crosthwaite-Eyreasked the Minister of Supply the total tonnage of baling wire available to agriculture in 1945 and the estimated total for 1946; and what action he has taken to ensure adequate supplies of this material to farmers.
§ Mr. WilmotAbout 9,500 tons of cut and looped baling wire were made available to agriculture in 1945 and about 10,000 tons in 1946. In addition a certain amount of wire in coil was supplied in 1946, but no information is available as to the quantity. Production is now running at more than three times the prewar level, but supplies are still much below demand. I am afraid that, owing to the serious shortage of wire rods, there can be no substantial increase in home supplies at present, but negotiations have been completed for the importation of 2,000 tons from Belgium.