§ Mr. RILEYasked the Minister of Agriculture how many agricultural associations, if any, have been formed under the Agricultural Credits Act; and what is the amount of the loans advanced, if any, to such associations?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe Agricultural Credits Bill has not yet passed into law. The hon. Member will therefore realise that the time has not yet arrived for the formation of approved associations or agricultural credit societies under its provisions, or for making advances thereto.
§ Mr. FOOTasked the Minister of Agriculture what action has been taken to carry out the objects of the Agricultural Credits Act; and whether any statement can be made to guide farmers who wish to take advantage of its provisions?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThe Agricultural Credits Bill has not yet passed into law, but the necessary Regulations have already been prepared and will be issued as soon as the Bill has received the Royal Assent. The name and address of any association which, after the passing of the Act becomes an approved association for the purposes of Clause I of the Act, will be published in the Press at the earliest opportunity, and the Public Works Loan Board will be prepared to deal at once with applications either from an approved association or from individual farmers 723W who desire mortgages under that Clause. As regards Clause II of the Bill, model rules for adoption by Agricultural Credit Societies, and a memorandum for the guidance of agriculturists who desire to avail themselves of the facilities provided by this Clause, are in course of preparation, and a Supplementary Estimate has been presented to the House for the necessary funds.