HC Deb 01 November 1938 vol 340 cc20-1
58. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now any statement to make regarding the improved facilities for credit for agriculturists?

Mr. Ramsbotham

This matter is under consideration, but my right hon. Friend is not yet in a position to make a statement.

Mr. De la Bère

Is it not a fact that the Foreign Office, the Board of Trade and the Federation of British Industries forced the Government to grant £50,000,000 to Eastern Europe? Cannot, the Minister of Agriculture do something for agriculture?

Mr. Ramsbotham

My right hon. Friend has given very careful consideration to this matter, but my hon. Friend will appreciate that recent events have involved some delay in dealing with it.

Mr. Macquisten

Is anything to be gained by putting farmers into debt? Would it not be much better to relieve them of the burden of many of the recent officials who have been appointed under the Marketing Acts and other Acts?