§ 78. Mr. RILEYasked the Minister of Agriculture the number of co-operative societies, if any, formed by agricultural smallholders; and the number of such societies in existence in 1920 and 1925, respectively?
§ Mr. McNEILLI have been asked to reply. 1,037 societies of smallholders and allotment workers, registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Acts or in a few cases under the Friendly 1039 Societies Act, furnished returns in 1920, and 929 in 1924. Similar particulars for 1925 are not yet available.
§ Mr. RILEYIs it a fact that the number in 1924 was less than in 1920, and if that is the case, might I ask what encouragement is being given in the formation of these societies?
§ Mr. McNEILLI should like to have notice of that question.