HC Deb 31 January 1918 vol 101 cc1760-1W
Mr. CAUTLEY

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture what steps have been taken to ensure the ploughing and sowing of grass land of small farmers, as advised by the county executive war committees, where the Government authorities are unable to supply tractors and the small farmers have not enough money to purchase horses, seed, or the necessary implements?

Mr. PROTHERO

A credit scheme has been arranged, in conjunction with all the joint stock banks, under which farmers can obtain advances for the purchase of horses, seeds, implements, or any other requirement necessary to enable them to increase the production of food. In addition a considerable number of horses have been purchased by the Board which, with the necessary ploughmen and ploughs, are available to farmers for the ploughing and subsequent cultivation of their land.