§ 68. Mr. RILEYasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is prepared to issue a Report showing how far the cash-on-delivery system is being used for the distribution of farm produce; and what steps, if any, are being taken by the Ministry to encourage this means of distribution?
Mr. GUINNESSIt is not practicable to determine precisely the proportion of agricultural parcels sent by this service, but it has not been very large. In reply to the last part of the question, the hon. Member will see from a copy of a free leaflet that I am sending him what action the Ministry has taken in its endeavour to popularise trade in parcels of homegrown country produce, and also the extent to which the National Farmers' Union have co-operated.
§ Sir ROBERT THOMASIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the British farmer is not at all interested in the cash-on-delivery system, but is interested in the provision of a credit system to tide him over the period until he can give delivery; and will the right hon. Gentleman take some steps to help him with a credit system?
Mr. GUINNESSI cannot say that this has anything to do with the question, but the evidence which has reached mo does not bear out the hon. Member's suggestion that the farmer does not want cash on delivery. Innumerable resolutions have been sent to me urging it.
§ Mr. EVERARDIs it not a fact that this system is not used more by agriculturists because the price is too high?
Mr. GUINNESSI think there is no doubt that the small advantage which has been taken of it by agriculturists is due to the fact that agricultural parcels are rather bulky in proportion to their value.