asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that there is an acute shortage of scissors, razors and razor blades; and, if so, if he will state what are the prospects of increased supplies becoming available in the near future.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cutlery and Farm Implements.
I am not aware that there is an acute shortage of the articles mentioned. Although imports of both scissors and razors have fallen considerably in the past three years, limited supplies are still coming forward. I do not think it is probable that there will be any appreciable increase in supplies in the immediate future.
As regards razor blades, it has so far been possible to import sufficient steel for the manufacture of adequate supplies of blades.
asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that there is an acute shortage of horse-clipping machines; and if so, if he will state what are the prospects of increased supplies becoming available to meet farmers' requirements.
I am aware that imports of horse-clipping machines have declined considerably since the beginning of the emergency. Reasonable supplies of spare parts for the repair of existing machines have, however, been available in recent months and, in addition, some quantities of new machines were released in 1944 following representations which I caused to be made to the British authorities in the matter.
The question of obtaining supplies for the current year is at present being examined, but I cannot yet say whether it will be possible to obtain increased supplies.
asked the Minister for Supplies what are the prospects of increased supplies of billhooks, slashers or slashhooks, to supply farmers' requirements in the cutting and laying of hedges.
Imports of these articles have declined considerably since 1939 and I cannot say when increased supplies from outside sources may be expected.
Owing to the difficulty of obtaining the necessary raw materials home production of these and other edge tools for agricultural purposes has been virtually suspended since early in 1942. Efforts are being made to obtain supplies of raw materials so as to resume home production.