§ 16. Mr. Peter Walkerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what direct financial help will be given in 1965 to farmers' co-operatives.
§ 39. Sir G. de Freitasasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what grants and loans, respectively, he expects to provide for agricultural co-operatives during 1965.
§ Mr. PeartWe will be introducing, as soon as practicable, the arrangements out- 1638 lined in the Annual Review White Paper whereby agricultural co-operatives will enjoy benefits parallel with those already available to horticultural co-operatives in respect of grants towards their working capital needs and of the backing of guarantees on loans made to them by banks. Grants to agricultural co-operatives under the Market Development Scheme will also continue to be available.
§ Mr. WalkerCan the right hon. Gentleman give some estimate of the amount that he expects to provide in grants during 1965–66?
§ Sir G. de FreitasIs my right hon. Friend aware that co-operatives generally are very pleased with the interest that he has shown? Will he study carefully the suggestions made to him which show a preference for loans rather than for grants?
§ Mr. PeartI will bear this in mind. I know that my hon. Friend has pressed this matter, and I shall carefully examine it.
§ Mr. StaintonCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House under which Administration that Act was passed to provide for these grants to be given?
§ Mr. PeartIt is true that grants were given to horticulture, but I felt that the agricultural industry needed this treatment as well.