38. Mr. GODFREY LOCKER-LAMP-SONasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether any of the money which is being subscribed by the British Government to the international agricultural credit bank will be used to help the German farmers?
§ 43. Mr. MARJORIBANKSasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether he is prepared to reconsider or to delay the payment of approximately £120,000 into the proposed International Agricultural Mortgage Credits Company until this House has had an opportunity of expressing its opinion thereon?
Mr. A. HENDERSONBy Article 4 of its Statutes, the Bank is empowered to grant loans to national companies having their registered offices in the territory of the Governments which are parties to the Convention. If, therefore, Germany signs and ratifies the Convention, and pays her contribution to the special reserve fund, it will be open to the Bank at its discretion to grant a loan for the benefit of German farmers. The same considerations apply to farmers of any other State signatory to the Convention. The payment of His Majesty's Government's contribution to the special reserve fund will not be made until a supplementary Estimate has been approved by this House.
§ Mr. MARJORIBANKSSince the policy regarding Empire trade is Great Britain first, should not this apply also with regard to the Continent?
§ Mr. G. LOCKER-LAMPSONMay we take it for granted that British agriculturists will also benefit?
Mr. HENDERSONI have indicated that in the answer, because they are included in the other countries that are mentioned.