§ 22. Major COLVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has any further proposals to make in order to assist agriculturists in Scotland to obtain an economic price for their produce?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe report of the Committee on Agricultural Co-operation which I set up some months ago was issued yesterday and I am carefully considering their conclusions. As regards the general position of agriculture I hope to have an opportunity of making a statement on Thursday first, on Scottish Estimates.
§ Major COLVILLEIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to indicate that the Government will consider the question of the control of agricultural imports?
§ Sir H. CROFTHas the attention of the right hon. Gentleman been called to the fact that Czechoslovakia is now considering an export bounty on barley, and does he realise the very serious effect that this will have on Scottish agriculture?
Mr. ADAMSONI am only dealing with Scotland, but I am always ready to consider any question which is detrimental to Scottish interests.
§ 25. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps have been taken by him to secure the co-operation of the Scottish banks in carrying out the provisions of Part I of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929; whether he is aware of the urgent need for providing facilities for long-term credits under the Act; and whether he will proceed without further delay to set up the necessary machinery with the assistance of the Scottish banks which are prepared to co-operate in the matter?
Mr. ADAMSONIt is not possible, within the limits of a reply to a question in this House, to indicate the steps taken in the endeavour to secure the co-operation of the Scottish banks, but the hon. and learned Member may rest assured that every effort has been made. I am aware of the demand for facilities for long-term credits. As regards the last part of the question, the participation of the banks referred to would not provide sufficient capital to enable a loan corporation to function satisfactorily.
§ Mr. MILLARIs it not possible to go on in the meantime, with the assistance of the Scottish banks who are willing to co-operate, in the hope that further assistance will be forthcoming?
Major WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman consider the suggestion that the English Corporation might be given statutory power to operate in Scotland?