HC Deb 09 February 1932 vol 261 cc645-6
36. Mr. MACPHERSON

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is now in a position to make a statement with regard to agricultural credits for Scotland?

37. Mr. R. W. SMITH

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Agricultural Securities Corporation for Scotland is to be set up; and if the draft articles of association have yet been approved by the banks interested?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Major Sir Archibald Sinclair)

As a result of their consideration of the draft memorandum and articles of association of the corporation, the banks on the 22nd January made certain proposals to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, some of which necessitated a further reference to the Treasury. I regret the delay, but I hope that these matters will now be quickly adjusted.

Mr. SMITH

Were any objections taken before 22nd January by the banks; and have they not had over three months in which to consider this matter?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

This is the first letter which I have received.

Mr. SMITH

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman take steps to see that the banks hurry on with this question, as Scottish farmers are in an unfortunate position by not having these facilities?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The hon. Gentle-roan must realise that I have no control over the banks. There has been no delay as far as I am concerned.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Is it not the case that the Scottish banks refuse to give the Scottish Office the same advantageous credits that the English banks give to the English Department? I would like an answer to that question.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

These are just the matters that are now under negotiation, and it would hardly assist the negotiations if we had a discussion on the subject now.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

My question is this: Is it the case—

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had an answer to his question.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

I want a simple answer to a plain question and one that, with due respect to you, Mr. Speaker, I think is in perfect order. Is it not the case that the Scottish banks during the two or three months that the negotiations have been going on have refused to give the same credits that the English banks give to the Ministry of Agriculture here?

Sir A. SINCLAIR

The terms of credits that are to be given are exactly the subject of the negotiations which are going on. I shall be able to answer the hon. Member's question when the negotiations are completed.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

Why not say "Aye" or "No" and be a man?