HC Deb 18 January 1940 vol 356 cc217-8
50. Mr. De la Bère

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he can now state what steps have been taken to ensure sufficient short-term credits at low rates of interest to farmers to enable them to meet war-time expenditure for extra cultivation?

The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

I hope to be able to amplify the statement which I made on the 14th December at an early date.

Mr. De la Bère

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that it is decision and not delay that is wanted; and further, how can he expect the farmers to double the output of the land if they do not have the necessary credit facilities, why should they be worse treated than any other industry in this country, and will be look into the matter at the earliest possible moment?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

I think that the hon. Member will agree that we have really made some progress.