§ Mr. Snowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the maximum figures for total bank advances to agriculture in Great Britain in each year since 1963; and whether it is the Government's policy that total bank advances to agriculture should increase.
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§ Mr. John MackieThe published maximum figures for total bank advances to agriculture in Great Britain which include loans to merchants and auctioneers, were £446 million in 1963, £505 million in 1964 and £516 million in 1965.
The Government have made it clear that the industry will need to have the financial resources required to carry out its selective expansion programme under the National Plan. The banks have an essential part to play in helping to finance the industry's investment, subject to the restrictions on credit which are at present required in the interests of the national economy as a whole.