§ 56. Mr. L. SMITHasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, having regard to the increasing cases of bankruptcy among farmers, he is able to fix a date when he proposes to introduce any Measure remedial of their present condition?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONThe hon. Member appears to be incorrect in his premise. The number of bankruptcies and receiving orders among farmers in 1929 was the lowest recorded for the last eight years, with the exception of 1926. The figures for the first three months of this year are the lowest since 1926.
§ Mr. SMITHIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that an hon. Member sitting behind him has said that unless effective measures are taken very soon, nothing but calamity awaits the agricultural industry?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have given the exact figures regarding bankruptcy.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that the small number of bankruptcies is due to the fact that farmers cannot afford to make anyone bankrupt?
§ Mr. BUXTONThe hon. Member who put the question asked for the facts in regard to bankruptcies, and I have given them.