Ploughshares

Oral Answers to Questions — Agriculture – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 June 1948.

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Photo of Commander Sir Douglas Marshall Commander Sir Douglas Marshall , Bodmin 12:00, 21 June 1948

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the acute shortage of ploughshares in Cornwall; and what action he proposes to take to remedy this position.

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

No, Sir, I am not aware that farmers in Cornwall are having any special difficulty in meeting their present needs. Production of ploughshares in this country, including the more popular types of share for imported ploughs, has increased very considerably since last autumn. Supplies should be sufficient for current use, although not yet sufficient to allow dealers to build up stocks.

Photo of Commander Sir Douglas Marshall Commander Sir Douglas Marshall , Bodmin

Has the Minister received the letter which I sent him with regard to this shortage, and if he has received it, surely he must be aware of the shortage?

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

I have already informed the hon. Member that I am not aware of any shortage of ploughshares in Cornwall at this moment.

Photo of Commander Sir Douglas Marshall Commander Sir Douglas Marshall , Bodmin

Would the Minister answer my first supplementary question as to whether he has received a letter in which I informed him in detail about this matter?

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

Yes. Because of the letter which the hon. Member sent to me, I had investigations made before I replied to this Question today.

Photo of Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite Lieut-Commander Joseph Braithwaite , Holderness

Would the Minister examine the situation in this respect in the East Riding of Yorkshire?

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

Certainly, if the hon. and gallant Member will give me particulars.

Photo of Mr Robin Turton Mr Robin Turton , Thirsk and Malton

Will the right hon. Gentleman give an increased allocation of steel so that dealers may build up stocks?

Photo of Mr Thomas Williams Mr Thomas Williams , Don Valley

I can assure the hon. Member that if there is a shortage, it is not due to want of steel.