§ 13. Mr. MACPHERSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to say what arrangements have been made to put into force the provisions of the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act, 1929?
Mr. W. ADAMSONDiscussions are still proceeding with the four Scottish banks regarding the scheme which is under their consideration, and I am hopeful that the outcome will be favourable.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONDoes not the right hon. Gentleman recall that he has given this answer to the House of Commons on many occasions; and will he promise the House of Commons to make a definite statement within a short time?
Mr. ADAMSONI still hope to be able to give a definite statement before very long, but the right hon. Gentleman forgets that it has been the banks who have delayed this matter.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill the right hon. Gentleman say why it should be held up by the banks, while the authorities in England have not been held up by the banks; and is he aware that the English farmers have had the advantage of their Act for over a year and the Scottish farmers have not?
Mr. ADAMSONThe right hon. Gentleman knows that the English banks agreed to set up the agricultural credits scheme, whereas the Scottish banks did not agree.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman still negotiating with these banks, and is there not another way of getting the money?