HC Deb 13 March 1985 vol 75 cc175-6W
Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what proportion of farms in Scotland is in the ownership of conglomerates or finance houses as opposed to individual farmers or farming families.

Mr. John MacKay

Latest estimates incorporating returns made to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland by December 1984 suggest a total

Mr. Younger

The Government have published a booklet entitled "Delivering the Goods" which seeks to encourage better communications between large purchasers, including corporations, and their suppliers. The booklet highlights the problems faced by small firms when long credit periods are demanded of them.

My hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Industry, has invited representatives of industry to examine possible ways of further encouraging prompt payment of bills, including a code of practice. I shall follow their deliberations with interest.