§ Sir E. HUME-WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the distress and inconvenience now being caused in the agricultural industry by the fact that no further loans are being made to farmers under the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923; and whether, in order to meet 586W the present emergency, he will arrange with the Treasury that such loans be resumed until the passing into law of the promised new Agricultural Credits Act?
Mr. SAMUELThe operation of the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, was confined to a limited class of farmers who have had a period of four years in which to take advantage of its provisions. A very substantial measure of assistance has been given by the State under the Act and, in view of the present heavy demands upon the Local Loans Fund, I regret that I cannot undertake to resume the grant of loans.