47. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Prime Minister whether he will find time for a discussion of the Motion standing in the name of the hon. Member for Evesham relating to credit facilities for farmers?
§ [That this House views with grave anxiety the delays which have taken place during the past three years regarding the question of improved credit facilities for farmers; is distressed to note that rates of interest up to 14 per cent. are being charged by some of the commercial banking undertakings; and urges on the Government the necessity of calling an immediate conference of bankers and banking industries, with a view to prompt action being taken in the matter, with a view to proceeding to lend money to farmers along the lines of the Railways (Agreement) Act, 1935, under which £27,000,000 of 2½ per cent. guaranteed debenture stock was issued in January, 1936, at 97 by the Railway Finance Corporation, which was formed to raise and lend money to the four main-line railway companies.]
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I would remind my hon. Friend that under the Standing Orders, facilities exist for the discussion of Private Members' Motions.
Mr. De la BèreIs my right hon. Friend aware that already favourable concessions 412 have been granted to Central European Powers, and cannot some similar favourable concessions be granted to Britain's greatest single industry, that of agriculture?
§ Sir Frank SandersonIs not my right hon. Friend aware that it is not so much credit facilities which the farmers require as guaranteed and reasonable prices for the commodities which they produce?