Mr. De la Bère:

asked the Secretary for Mines whether, in view of the fact that frost and snow have prevented the use of tractors on farms throughout the country, he will take steps to ensure that the petroleum control boards afford every speedy assistance possible to farmers for utilising these tractors to enable the maximum output from the farms to be secured?

Yes, Sir. The divisional petroleum officers have already been instructed that supplies in respect of the next period, which will cover the two months March and April, are to be dealt with with the utmost speed. It will be of great assistance in securing this if farmers will send in their applications to divisional petroleum officers as soon as possible.

Mr. De la Bère:

Would it not be possible to allow farmers to utilise the existing coupons they have?

No, Sir, I do not think that would be a good idea. I think the suggestion I have made would be more practicable, and I will take further steps to bring it to the notice of the farmers.

Mr. De la Bère:

Will not the Secretary for Mines inquire into what is taking place in the Birmingham Petroleum Control Board area? Is it not a vast sea of muddles?