54. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, since 87 per cent. of the farms throughout this country are of 150 acres, or less, and many of these farms urgently need additional working capital to enable them to increase their output from the land, he will consider the formation of some organisation or provide some machinery by which it would be possible for them to borrow at interest rate of 2 per cent.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsNo, Sir.
Mr. De la BèreIs not the real trouble, as the right hon. Gentleman knows quite well, the shortage of working capital for farmers? He does not like this Question and cannot think of a suitable answer. Will he not do something? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that agricultural production has gone down steadily during the last two years under this Government, which is a very serious matter?
§ Mr. WilliamsI thought the answer was very brief, brotherly and effective.