This Bill will validate schemes adopted by county councils for the supply of seeds and fertilisers during the present year. In view of the necessity for increased tillage, every county council was asked last December to consider whether there was need for a seed supply scheme in the county and, if there was a need, to adopt a scheme. With only one exception, county councils have adopted schemes and these have been largely availed of.
The Bill in form extends the Act passed last year to the provision of seeds and fertilisers in the present season and contains the necessary adaptations of last year's Act.
The county councils can sell seed on loan terms or give guarantees to seed merchants. The recipients are required to pay after the harvest. When guarantees are given they become operative only when the merchants supplying the seed are unable to collect the cost. County councils, for their own protection, have to take certain precautions to ensure that recipients are creditworthy, and that no loss will ultimately fall on the rates. In view of the present situation, councils will not, I hope, attach too many conditions to these loans when cultivators are prepared to produce food. In past years, losses have not been significant and the loans have proved very useful, particularly to smallholders. Councils will, I am sure, give all the facilities that reasonably can be expected of them.
The arrangements are the same as in last year's Bill, and this extends them for another year.