§ 55. Major BRAITHWAITEasked the Minister of Agriculture when he will be in a position to put before the House the proposals for long and short-term credits for farmers?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given on the 16th of May in reply to a similar question from my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Maldon Division of Essex (Lieut.-Colonel Ruggles-Brise), a copy of which I am sending to him.
§ Major BRAITHWAITEIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the serious newspaper controversy which is going on at present the banks have shortened credits to farmers, thus causing serious embarrassment to the industry in general?
§ Mr. GUINNESSI have had that trouble brought to my notice.
§ Mr. AUSTIN HOPKINSONHave the Government any scheme for putting an end to this poisonous campaign?
§ Major COLFOXHas any progress been made since 16th May?
§ Mr. GUINNESSThe matter is being pursued, and, as soon as we think a statement can usefully be made, I shall make it.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWill precautions be taken by the Minister to see that whatever short- or long-term credits are given for the benefit of apiculture, they shall not go in increased rents to the landlords?
§ Mr. GUINNESSIt is not a question of the State giving any credits. It is a question of the State mobilising credit and bringing the lender and the borrower together.
§ Mr. RILEYAre we to understand that, whatever steps are taken, the credits will be available for smallholders as well as large farmers?
§ Mr. GUINNESSThe hon. Gentleman had better await the details of the scheme.