asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that there is an acute shortage in Liskeard, Cornwall, of ash slats or rods for repairing binder canvases; and if he will make supplies available with speed in order that these canvases can be repaired in time to cut this year's corn.

There is a shortage of ash generally, but my attention has not previously been called to any particular difficulty in Liskeard. I am, however, making inquiries.

Has the hon. Gentleman received the letter which I have sent to him, and will he make particular inquiries with regard to the specific matter which I mentioned in that letter?

I received the letter in my office this morning. We have taken the matter up with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that we will do all we can, as we recognise the importance of the matter.

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a quantity of good ash which can be cut in Surrey, Sussex and the Home Counties if we get the labour? Will the hon. Gentleman take the matter up with the Ministry of Labour, because they are crying out for labour in those places?

Certainly. Perhaps the noble Lord will be good enough to communicate with me and let me have the details.