54 and 55. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer (1) whether he has any figures to show the approximate total amount in aggregate which was lent by Barclays, National Provincial, Midland, Westminster and Martins Banks to agriculturists at 31st December, 1946, and 1st June, 1947.
(2) whether he will make the necessary arrangements for publishing, in the aggregate, at the end of each month the amount outstanding by way of indebtedness from agricultural producers to the clearing banks; and whether, at the same time, he will state the approximate number of agricultural borrowers to which the sum in the aggregate is related.
§ Mr. DaltonI would refer the hon. Member to the figures given in the Analysis of Bank Advances in the Monthly Digest of Statistics.
Mr. De la BèreIs the Chancellor aware that there is a very substantial overdraft in advance of £50 million, and that the small farmers are totally devoid of working capital? Why are the banks charging 5 per cent. on these overdrafts? Will the right hon. Gentleman give a reply, because this is hindering the production of food at a time when we are short of food?
§ Mr. DaltonFar from hindering, we are very anxious to promote in every way the production of food. The hon. Member has asked for certain figures. He will find some interesting figures and information—I will not read it, because it has been pub lished—in the Monthly Digest.
§ Mr. DaltonHon. Members can read them too.
§ Major BruceWill the Chancellor give an assurance that he will continue the existing policy of credit expansion in the agricultural industry, and not repeat the disastrous policy of the Tory Government in the early '30's.
§ Mr. SpeakerImputations of that sort are really quite unnecessary in supplementary questions. Both sides are too fond of them.