§ Mr. Mossasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that many farmers are facing increasing financial difficulties owing to the combined effect of the credit squeeze and the long delay in receiving support payments; and what steps he will take to speed up such payments.
Mr. AmoryI am not aware that the restrictions on credit, which are an essential part of the Government's measures to control inflation, have given rise to any substantial financial difficulties among farmers generally. Bank advances to farmers are at a high level, as is agricultural production. The arrangements for implementing the price guarantees are working smoothly, and I do not know of any avoidable delay in making payments under those arrangements.