28. Captain MACDONALDasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that since 1st January, 1931, some banks have taken advantage of the provisions of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1928, to obtain charges upon farming stock and produce in respect of old loans contracted before the passing of that Act; and whether, as one object of the Agricultural Credits Act is defeated by this development which secures the banks concerned as preference creditors to the exclusion of all others except the landlord, he will consider taking some remedial action in the matter?
§ Sir J. GILMOURSome cases of the kind to which my hon. and gallant Friend calls attention have been brought to my notice. I do not feel, however, that legislative action, even if it were practicable, would be in the best interests of the agricultural community.
Captain MACDONALDIf the right hon. Gentleman cannot take legislative action, will he take Departmental action to bring to book the people who are contravening the Act?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, I do not think it is a matter of contravention. So far as I know, there is no contravention, but, if the hon. Member has any suggestions to make, I should be glad to consider them.