asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many combine-harvesters there were at work in Scotland during the 1963 harvest; and what was the equivalent figure 10 years previously.

Information is not available about the number of combine-harvesters at work during a particular harvest, but the Agricultural Machinery Census of February, 1964, shows that there were then 5,531 combine-harvesters in Scotland. The total at the corresponding census in 1954 was 1,245.

In view of this remark able increase showing the energy and enterprise of Scottish farmers to take advantage of modern machinery and modern methods, can my hon. Friend say approximately how much of the 1963 harvest was reaped in this way and what was the increased productivity?

I cannot give any specific figures. As we move about Scotland during harvest time our eyes give us a pretty good indication that the proportion of the total acreage harvested in this way is very large. I do not think that there are any precise figures available about the increased productivity. For my own part, I would hazard the guess that it might well be one or two bags extra on every acre.

In view of the representations of the Scottish farmers to Members recently, can the hon. Gentleman say how the Scottish farmers could afford these very expensive machines? Was there any application to the National Assistance Board to enable them to purchase them?

Farmers are most remarkable people.