HC Deb 14 August 1940 vol 364 cc778-9
45. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Prime Minister whether, in collaboration with the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the Minister of Agriculture, he will convene a meeting of the principal bankers throughout the country with a view to the creation of an agricultural credit bank?

The Lord Privy Seal (Mr. Attlee)

No, Sir. In view of the credit facilities which are already available to farmers, I think such a proposal is unnecessary.

Mr. De la Bère

Does my right hon. Friend not realise that this matter cannot be lightly dismissed, indeed that it cannot be dismissed at all? Someone must initiate a beginning, and will not my right hon. Friend "Go to it"?

Mr. Wilfrid Roberts

Has the right hon. Gentleman satisfied himself that there is not a widespread demand among farmers for credit facilities?

Mr. Attlee

According to my information, there are already sufficient facilities.

Mr. De la Bère

Are there not 500,000 borrowers who want these credits? Why not do in the national interest what 500,000 people want?