76. Major WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the proposals for the 271 incorporation of a company to operate Part I of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, which was passed a year ago; and whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction among Scottish farmers at being denied credit facilities which are available to farmers in England?
Mr. W. ADAMSONFor reasons which I have explained in reply to questions put to me on 28th January, 4th, 11th and 18th February, it has unfortunately not been found possible, as yet, to bring Part I of the Act into operation. Negotiations are, however, being actively pursued in two different directions, and I am still hopeful that some way out of the difficulty may be found.
Major WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman give the agricultural community of Scotland some idea when they may get the advantages that were proposed to be given by that Act?
Mr. ADAMSONThe agricultural community realise the difficulties in regard to this matter as keenly as I do myself. The agricultural community are satisfied that I am doing my best to overcome the difficulties.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs it not a fact that four of the eight Scottish banks have agreed already to co-operate with the Government, and cannot the right hon. Gentleman proceed to put Part I of the Act into operation with the co-operation of those four banks, and leave out the others?
Mr. MACLEANIs it not a fact that the banks in Scotland have been primarily responsible for the condition of agriculture in Scotland by refusing to give these credits before?