HC Deb 22 June 1927 vol 207 cc1851-2
55. Sir F. NELSON

asked the Minister of Agriculture if any decision has been reached in principle as to the proposals for long-term agricultural credits that he will in due course submit to the House; and when he will be in a position to submit his proposals in detail?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which I gave to a similar question addressed to me on 16th May by my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Maldon Division of Essex, a copy of which I am sending to him.

Lieut.-Colonel ACLAND-TROYTE

Is my right hon. Friend aware that agriculturists have been waiting 18 months for the Government to carry out its pledges with regard to this matter? It was urgent then, and it is more urgent now. Will he do something to hasten it?

Mr. GUINNESS

There is no possibility of legislation this Session, but we are losing no time in pursuing negotiations which will, we hope, enable us to legislate later.

Mr. LAMB

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware of the great urgency of the matter in view of the publicity which has been given recently to the bad state of agriculture and consequently to the calling-in of loans?

Mr. GUINNESS

I am afraid the recent publicity is interfering with the credit of agriculture, but we have no control over that, and this long-term credit is not, of course, aimed at that problem in any way.

Colonel GRETTON

Does the right hon. Gentleman mean before the Adjournment or before the end of the Session.

Mr. GUINNESS

I said that there was no chance of legislation this Session