HC Deb 17 May 1973 vol 856 cc1679-80
5. Mr. David James

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will introduce legislation to enable a farmer-member of an Agricultural Cooperative Society to make a substantially larger investment than the present upper limit of £1,000.

Mr. Anthony Stodart

The Government have undertaken to introduce legislation as soon as time permits to raise the maximum shareholding in a co-operative society registered under the industrial and provident societies legislation. This will be a matter for my hon. Friend the Financial Secretary, who is responsible for the Registry of Friendly Societies.

Mr. James

I thank my hon. Friend for that reply. Will he indicate to what the limit will be raised?

Mr. Stodart

That is a matter I would wish to leave to my right hon. Friend to inform the House about in due course.