HC Deb 09 March 1925 vol 181 cc910-1
37. Mr. NOEL BUXTON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if he will give the number, and the total amount, of the loans to co-operative agricultural enterprises which have been sanctioned?

Mr. WOOD

The number of loans sanctioned to date is 10, and the total amount £29,370.

Mr. BUXTON

What is the amount lent to bacon factories?

Mr. WOOD

I could not say without notice.

Mr. A. V. ALEXANDER

Does the raising of the Bank Rate mean that there will be an increase in the interest charged on the money?

Mr. WOOD

I presume that that is a result which is likely to follow.

Mr. HARDIE

Is that going to increase the price of the produce?

Mr. WOOD

The hon. Member can draw his own conclusions.

Mr. HARDIE

Is that not something of which the Prime Minister might take advantage, in order to widen the ambit of the Food Commission in dealing with a question like this?