§ 38. Mr. HAMERSLEYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture how many Rural Credit Banks have up to date received financial assistance from the Joint Stock Banks; how many Rural Credit Banks there are now registered in England and Wales; and what steps, if any, are being taken by the Government to increase the number?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)I am informed that six agricultural credit societies have received advances from Joint Stock Banks. The number of agricultural credit societies now registered in England and Wales is forty-eight. The Government have secured a promise of assistance from Joint Stock Banks in the formation of new societies, and have drawn up a set of model rules based on the principle of liability limited by shares. The Agricultural Organisation Society, which is subsidised by the Government, is taking all 534 possible steps to aid in the formation of new societies, and, when required, gives advice and assistance in their registration.