78. Lieut.-Colonel MOOREasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the present position of the Agricultural 2463 Credits Corporation; and when it will be possible for Scottish farmers to obtain loans under the Act?
Mr. W. ADAMSONAs stated in my replies of the 23rd and 28th instant to questions on this subject, the Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Agricultural Security Corporation have been approved by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, and the further stages in the formation of the Corporation are being carried out, but I am not yet in a position to say when the Corporation will be ready to commence operations.
Lieut.-Colonel MOOREIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the full facts and prospectus have been lodged with the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the last 2½ months, and that no action has apparently been taken and the farmers cannot get loans?
Mr. ADAMSONI think that the hon. and gallant Member is assuming something that he has no justification for assuming.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs my right hon. Friend aware that English farmers under a similar Act have been receiving loans for the last two years, while not a single loan has been given under the Agricultural Credits (Scotland) Act within the last two years; and will he now expedite this matter?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan the right hon. Gentleman tell us what is now holding up the matter, because the circumstances have changed?
Mr. ADAMSONIf the hon. Member who has just put that supplementary question had been as anxious about this matter when he had the ear of the late Chancellor of the Exchequer, it might have been arranged long ago.