§ 25. Mr. T. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture how many co-operative organisations for the collection and disposal of agricultural produce were set up during the last two years; the amount of capital involved; and the amount loaned by the Government to these societies?
Mr. GUINNESSNine societies for the collection and disposal, of agricultural produce were registered with the Chief Registrar of Friendly Societies in 1925, and showed an aggregate share capital, as declared to date, of £7,450. Ten societies, which from their names and objects appear to be of the same description, were registered during 1926, but as returns are not yet due from societies registered in 1926, no information is avail- 1386 able as to their share capital. Three of the above societies have received loans from my Department totalling £5,750.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHave any steps been taken by the right hon. Gentleman's Department to facilitate the setting-up of co-operative organisations for this purpose, in view of the very small number that have been set up?
Mr. GUINNESSOur function is to consider applications for loans, and in that matter we have the advice of a committee under the chairmanship of an hon. Member of this House.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSHave no initial steps been taken by the Minister to encourage farmers to adopt and to act under the co-operative system?
Mr. GUINNESSWe are in many directions doing what we can to help cooperative societies, and giving advice as to their formation.