§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Bill which is in preparation for the establishment of agricultural co-operative credit banks in rural districts will extend to Scotland?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir E. Strachey)No decision has yet been arrived at on this point, but it will, of course, receive consideration.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEHas the Secretary for Scotland taken any steps to get equivalent treatment for Scotland?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI must ask for notice of that question.
MARQUESS of TULLIBARDINEDoes not the hon. Baronet know if he has been approached by the Secretary for Scotland on the matter?
§ Lord NINIAN CRICHTON-STUARTWill the report be taken into consideration by the hon. Baronet?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI must ask for notice of that question.
Mr. EDMUND HARVEYasked whether the Board of Agriculture has taken any steps to lay before the Development Commissioners any proposals for the establishment of agricultural banks; and what other methods have been taken by the Department to promote such banks?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYThe answer to the first part is in the negative. The question of the best method of providing further facilities for agricultural credit is being carefully considered, and the President of the Board hopes to be in a position before very long to announce his proposals on the subject.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODIs the hon. Baronet aware that other trades besides agriculture would like to have cheap money and easier credit, and that they do not appreciate special treatment being given to agriculture at their expense?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYIf that be so, the hon. Member should address a question to the President of the Board of Trade.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIn view of the fact that this matter was much advertised in the Press before the Election, will the Board of Agriculture not make some advances in this matter?
§ Sir E. STRACHEYI have already said some efforts have been made.