§ Major GLYNasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is in a position to state to what extent the Agricultural Credits Act has been utilised and which of the joint stock banks, if any, are unable to accept applications from farmers to obtain loans under the terms of the Act; and what steps, if any, have been taken to inform farmers and others how to make application for financial assistance under the terms of the Act?
Mr. GUINNESSI understand that the company referred to in Part I of the Act is being incorporated this week. I am informed that agricultural charges under Part II of the Act have been registered in respect of 201 farmers up to 8th November. All the principal banks have been approved for the purposes of this part of the Act, and I am not aware that any of these banks are unable to accept applications for loans in suitable cases. After the passing of the Act the Ministry issued a notice to the Press briefly summarising the provisions of the Act and informing farmers as to where applications should be made. A memorandum on Part II of the Act has also been prepared which is forwarded by the Ministry to any applicant.