asked the Minister of Agriculture what is his policy in regard to the hiring out of machinery by A.E.Cs.; and whether, with a view 10 sparing the smallholder the heavy uneconomic capital expenditure involved in the purchase of such machinery, he will consider continuing and expanding the hire system.

I have no intention of withdrawing the facilities now available for the hire of machinery by county war agricultural executive committees to farmers and contractors in suitable cases, and, so far as I am aware, these facilities are adequate for current needs.