39. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will now consider introducing a Bill to amend the Agricultural Credits Act, 1928, with a view to providing long-term credits at a low rate of interest to assist the increased production of home-grown foodstuffs?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI have nothing to add to the answer given to a similar question by my hon. Friend on 15th June, 1937.
§ Mr. de RothschildWill the right hon. Gentleman cause a departmental inquiry to be made into this subject, in order to buttress him with arguments to substantiate his constant refusal?
§ Mr. MorrisonAs my hon. Friend was informed in answer to his earlier question, the matter is under consideration. In reply to the supplementary question of the hon. Member for the Isle of Ely (Mr. de Rothschild), I do not think that a departmental committee is necessary in this case.
§ Mr. MorrisonIf the Government were unwilling to do it, we should not be considering the matter at all.
§ Mr. MorrisonThe matter is one of considerable difficulty and complexity, and it is not a matter that can be put into operation as easily as a question can be asked in the House of Commons.