§ 45. Mr. TIMOTHY DAVIESasked the Prime Minister if his attention has been called to many cases of hardship to small farmers who have purchased their holdings and have a mortgage left on the land; is he aware that in a number of cases the mortgage is being called in or a large increase in the interest is demanded; and whether he can see his way to deal with the matter and protect the interest of these men, either by legislation or otherwise, during the period of the War?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Winfrey)My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. The Board are aware of the increased burden which is caused to small farmers and others who have purchased small holdings and have a mortgage on them, where the rate of interest has been raised on account of the increased interest which is being 2052 obtained at the present time for money on loan, and they have the matter under consideration.