§ Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISE(by Private Notice) asked the Minister of Agriculture if he can make an announcement with regard to the intentions of the Government as to long and short term agricultural credits, in view of the increasing 1964 pressure which is being exerted on farmers for repayment of mortgages and loans?
Mr. GUINNESSNo information has previously come to my notice that mortgagors are being pressed unduly for repayment of mortgages and loans. I am afraid that I am not yet in a position to name a date for the introduction of the Government Measure to deal with agricultural credit.
§ Lieut.-Colonel RUGGLES-BRISECan my right hon. Friend say if it is quite certain that the Government's Bill will be completed before the end of the Session?
§ Sir H. CAUTLEYIs there any truth in the statement in to-day's "Times" that a leading bank will not have anything to do with the credits scheme?
Mr. GUINNESSI do not think that I have seen that statement. We have had difficulties which I trust are now satisfactorily surmounted.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSDoes the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is this financial stress among the farmers, seeing that since the War no fearer than 100,000 tenants have purchased their holdings?
Mr. GUINNESSThat really has nothing to do with the position. The trouble is that they purchased their holdings when the price of agricultural land stood at a much higher figure than today.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhat we are suffering from is——