§ 34. Sir ROBERT THOMASasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is preparing an agricultural credit scheme for Wales; and, if so, when it may be expected to mature?
Mr. GUINNESSNo special credit scheme for Wales alone is in preparation, but the scheme, which we are now working out and hope to place before Parliament 1443 next year, will be applicable to Wales equally with the rest of the country.
§ Sir R. THOMASWill that be early next Session?
§ 37. Mr. HURDasked the Minister of Agriculture how many applications for loans, and for what amounts, have been received by the Gillett Committee from farmers' trading societies during last year and this year; and whether he will call for a report from the Committee upon the reasons why these credit facilities are not more largely used by the farming organisations?
Mr. GUINNESSTwo applications were considered by the Committee in 1926 for loans of £2,500 and £10,000, respectively, and one application for a loan of £3,000 has been considered this year. In addition to these applications a number of inquiries for details of the scheme have been received during the period referred to. I will invite the Committee to make a report of the nature suggested.
§ Mr. HURDWill the right hon. Gentleman tell me what steps, if any, have been taken to make these facilities known to farmers' societies?
Mr. GUINNESSI think they are generally known and that the agricultural co-operative movement is well aware of them.
Commander WILLIAMSCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Farmers' Union have ever taken any steps to acquaint their members with the advantages to be obtained?