Britain Ready on the "Farm Front" A DDRESS1NG shareholders at the
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ordinary general meeting of the Ford Motor Co., Ltd., Lord Perry gave a striking picture of this country's greater preparedness to increase food production in this war than in the 191419Th conflict. He said that whilst the company's contribution in this field had been considerable, he was convinced that it would be still greater.
Since 1918, farmers have, be said, increasingly adopted the principle of power farming and in September, 1939, there were probably 50,000-60,000 tractors in use throughout the United Kingdom. He referred to the part of the Ford organization in developing power farming in this country, and the production of Fordson tractors from July 1, 1989, to April 30 last for use at home was, he added, almost 15,000. In addition, a considerable number had been exported to various countries throughout the world.
Lord Perry stated that the company is to commence production of a neiv tractor, to be sold under the name " Ford Tractor—Ferguson System," as soon as the Government authorizes supplies and approves expenditure upon machine tools, jigs and other. equipment. The new tractor is designed for haulage as well as for ploughing and the usual cultivating processes. The implements which are employed with it are of new and lighter design than those now commonly used.
Referring to the position of the British motor industry, Lord Perry said that, although the production of commercial vehicles and cars for the home market had been severely affected, service facilities laboriously built up over many years, 'combined with the good-quality materials used in construction, would enable Ford vehicles to be kept in commission for an extended period. He expressed appreciation of the efforts of dealers to maintain Ford service facilities at a high standard, despite the difficult conditions,