HC Deb 22 March 1923 vol 161 cc2750-1
53 and 54. Major WHELER

asked the Prime Minister (1) whether, in view of the increasingly serious state of the agricultural industry, he can announce, before the rising of the House for the Easter Recess, any of the Government proposals for improving the state of the industry;

(2) when he will be able to announce; the proposals of the Government for granting credit facilities to farmers?

The MINISTER for AGRICULTURE (Sir R. Sanders)

I have been asked to reply. I regret that I am unable to make any announcement before the House rises on Thursday next, but I hope to introduce an Agricultural Credit Bill as soon as possible after the Easter Recess.

Major WHELER

Is there any difficulty in using short term credit facilities at once?

Mr. HARDIE

In considering the question of credits, will the Minister of Agri- culture take into account the necessity of his Department, instead of handing out credits that give profits to people from whom the farmers buy, see—