47. Mr. F. HALLasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that the principal activity of the Agricultural Organisation Society is directed to the establishment of co-operative trading societies, the object of which is to divert into other channels the business now being done by private traders; and whether he will direct the Lords Commissioners of the Treasury so to revise the conditions attaching to the Grants to the Agricultural Organisation Society as to safeguard the interests of private traders in the application of these Grants, and will lay the amended conditions upon the Table of the House at an early date, or, in the alternative, will discontinue the Grants after the expiration of the present financial year?
§ The PRIME MINISTER (Mr. Asquith)I am aware that the Agricultural Organisation Society is largely engaged in the organisation of co-operative societies of farmers for the purchase of agricultural requirements and disposal of produce; and the Grant made from the Development Fund to the society for that, among other purposes, is clearly covered by the words "organisation of co-operation" in Section 365 1 (1) (a) of the Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909. So far as I am aware, the society does not give pecuniary assistance to the co-operative societies or organise or advise such societies for non-agricultural purposes. If, however, the hon. Member can show that the society is taking such steps, the question of an Amendment of the present conditions of Grant will be carefully considered.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTIs it not a fact that this is purely a propagandist body, and that as a result of its activity traders in rural districts are benefiting in consequence of the increasing circulation of money in their districts?