55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Transport whether, as regards the negotiations that are proceeding with the chiefs of the four main line railway companies for the purposes of the utilisation of their systems throughout the country for food storage for emergency purposes only, the Government propose to extend still further the facilities of the railway companies for borrowing through the Railway Finance Corporation, Limited, or some similar concern, money at the rate of 2½ per cent., guaranteed as to principal and interest by the Treasury?
Mr. De la BèreWill the Minister bear in mind the fact that, although the railways have satisfied their hunger, agriculture still requires loans at 2½ per cent.?