HC Deb 09 November 1954 vol 532 c120W
79. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for the purchase of one of the potato-lifting machines now on exhibition in Moscow in order to enable trials to be carried out to assess its suitability for lifting potatoes.

80. Mr. Bence

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to arrange for the purchase out of public funds of one of the mechanical potato-lifters recently on exhibition in Moscow, in order to test its efficiency for use in Scotland, to avoid further employment of school children in lifting potatoes.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am aware of the machine referred to, but my information is that it does not represent an advance on machines developed in this country. Purchase of this machine would not, therefore, be of advantage.