HC Deb 24 November 1955 vol 546 c1637
23. Mr. Collins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the effect on the horticultural industry of the general instruction to the banks to reduce or restrict overdrafts.

Mr. Amory

I have no reason to think that there has been any adverse effect.

Mr. Collins

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the hon. and gallant Member for the Isle of Ely (Major Legge-Bourke), chairman of his party's Horticultural Committee, said recently that the horticultural industry was well and truly "in the red"? In view of the dismal prospect of four years of Conservative Government, will the right hon. Gentleman now tell the House what are his plans for helping the hard-working members of this most depressed industry?

Mr. Amory

I cannot accept the view that our horticultural industry as a whole is a depressed one. I do not take a defeatist or depressed view of the future at all.

Major Legge-Bourke

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the remarks to which the hon. Member for Shoreditch and Finsbury (Mr. Collins) referred were related entirely to the special conditions of West Country growers, to whom I was speaking, and who have had an exceptionally hard time because of weather conditions in the last few years?

Mr. Amory

I agree with my hon. and gallant Friend. The weather has been awkward. Last year it was too wet and this year it has been too dry.

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