§ 64. Mr. CHORLTONasked the Minister of Agriculture what further steps he is taking to foster the development of our market-gardening trade for the supply of vegetables and fruit to large towns to replace those at present coming from without the Empire?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere is no doubt that growers of fruit and vegetables in this country realise and are taking advantage of the opportunities afforded by the reduction of imports, consequent on the imposition of tariffs on horticultural produce. The Ministry is giving all the assistance in its power by such means as the promotion of research, the provision of technical advice, and the institution of schemes for grading and marking under the National Mark. I shall, of course, be happy to consider any specific suggestion of my hon. Friend as to means by which I can help further.
§ Mr. CHORLTONIs my right hon. Friend making any arrangements to grant loans to help market-gardening in other ways than the research of which he has spoken?
§ Mr. ELLIOTThere are certain provisions for the granting of credit facilities, but in my experience, if the enterprises are likely to be remunerative, there is no great difficulty in getting credit facilities by the usual means.
§ Mr. MARTINIs it not a fact that the right hon. Gentleman has had at least one scheme put up to him? Does he not think he is missing an opportunity of dealing with unemployment in certain areas in a drastic way, and will he consider other schemes?