asked the Minister for Supplies if he is aware that boiler tubes as used for steam engines in threshing sets are not procurable in this country at present, that export from Britain can be arranged only through the British Board of Trade, and whether in view of the necessary overhaul of engines in preparation for next harvest's threshing, he will take the necessary steps to approach the British authorities to grant permits for such exports as are required here.

asked the Minister for Supplies whether he is aware that there are no supplies of steam boiler tubes available for threshing sets and that the British Board of Trade has refused a permit for the export of essential supplies, and if in order to permit necessary repairs to be carried out before the harvest will he make representation to the Board of Trade with a view to having some supplies made available.

I will take Nos. 6 and 7 together. I am aware that difficulties are being experienced in obtaining boiler tubes for steam engines in threshing sets, and representations in the matter have been made to the authorities in the United Kingdom, but I am not yet in a position to state the result. If the Deputies will furnish particulars of the cases they have in mind, I will consider what further steps can be taken.