§ 8. Mr. Peartasked the Minister of Agriculture his proposals to provide adequate credit facilities for farmers.
Mr. AmoryI am ready to consider most carefully any suggestions put to me, but so far I am not satisfied that a case for new proposals in this field has been made out.
§ Mr. PeartIs the Minister aware that in the miserable document, the Tory "Agricultural Charter," specific proposals were laid down, and it was said that a Tory Government would provide special cheap credit facilities for farmers? The Chancellor of the Exchequer—at a farmers' dinner three years ago—just before his Budget, also promised action. When are we to have some action?
Mr. AmoryI am quite sure that if we were satisfied that the present facilities were not adequate action would follow. It is just that point about which I am far from satisfied at present. The facilities available at the moment are quite varied.
§ Mr. PeartIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that small farmers are facing great difficulties through increases in the price of machinery, spare parts, fertilisers, and so on? There is hardship. Ought not the Government to look at this matter very quickly?
Mr. AmoryI should be very grateful if the hon. Member would bring to my attention any case in which he feels that facilities are not available.
Mr. T. WilliamsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in 1931 I made a proposal in this House for an agricultural credit bank, which was supported by some hon. Members of the Tory Party?
§ 17. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will consult the Chancellor of the Exchequer with a view to advice being issued to the banks for the provision of credit facilities for small farmers.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs the Minister not aware that the Government's dear money policy has borne hard upon small farmers and still does so? Will he consult the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation to give farmers easier and cheaper facilities in what is becoming a difficult time for small farmers?
Mr. AmoryI am keeping, and will keep, in very close touch with the Agricultural Mortgage Corporation. If we can find anything further that we can usefully do to extend the Corporation's activities, I shall give the matter very careful consideration.
§ Sir W. DarlingHas my right hon. Friend any evidence whatsoever that any difficulty is experienced by worth-while farmers in getting all the credit they require from the banks?