52. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the fact that the agricultural industry in this country is under-capitalised and a large number of small farmers require additional working capital, will he consider making a pronouncement regarding the provision of further capital for the purpose of assisting the farmers and, additionally, to create a home market in which our industrial goods can be sold.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI would refer my hon. Friend to the reply my right hon. Friend gave him to a similar question on 20th July last.
Mr. De la BèreDoes not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there is an unprecedented need for further capital in the agricultural industry to-day, and will he take up the matter seriously with his right hon. Friend?
§ Mr. WilliamsThere may be a need for more capital but at the moment we are more concerned with farmers' credit balances.
Mr. De la BèreSurely my right hon. Friend will realise that that is by no means a satisfactory answer.