§ Colonel Ropnerasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give information about the pooling of machinery among farmers; how many parish pools are still being operated; and whether he is considering any action to promote and encourage such pools having regard to their value to the small farmer who wishes to mechanise his farm but cannot afford the expense of buying and operating his own machinery.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo very recent information is available, but last autumn there were 14 machinery pools operating in seven counties in England and Wales. Attempts to stimulate organised pooling of machinery resources have had only limited success, but I shall continue to do what I can to encourage this. The machinery service provided by county war agricultural executive committees will also continue to give help needed by the smaller farmers.