§ Sir A. Bossomasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy regarding the formation of syndicate credits in other counties similar to those started in Hampshire; and if he will give guidance as to the procedure that should be followed to achieve this.
§ Mr. John HareI am encouraging the formation of syndicate credit companies, which are concerned mainly with financing the co-operative purchase and use of farm machinery. This co-operative use makes it possible for farmers to obtain machinery more cheaply and have the advantage of a wider range of machines. The syndicates now operating in Hampshire and elsewhere have shown that the problems of sharing and servicing machines in joint use can be overcome.
69WArrangements have been made for the National Agricultural Advisory Service to advise farmers on the setting up of syndicates, and the Agricultural Central Co-operative Association tell me that they are willing to do this too, and also to advise on how to run them.