§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Whether proposals have been received from the Highland and Agricultural Society, in conformity with the recommendations contained in the Re- 1272 port of the Select Committee on the Potato Crop, 1880, namely, to undertake, with the pecuniary assistance of the Government, a series of experiments with a view of producing new and disease-proof varieties; and, whether these proposals have been favourably considered?
§ MR. DODSONSir, Lord Carling-ford and myself had an interview recently with some gentlemen representing the Highland and Agricultural Society, who came to ascertain whether the Government would be disposed to give pecuniary assistance, either by means of grants in aid, or by providing inspection of such experiments as are referred to in the Question. The Committee of the Privy Council are deeply sensible of the services rendered to agriculture by this Society, and of the weight that attaches to any suggestion proceeding from them. We have, therefore, very carefully considered the matter; but I am bound to say that we fear if the State were to give pecuniary assistance to these agricultural experiments it would be making a dangerous precedent, and we regret we cannot undertake to give this assistance.
§ SIR HERBERT MAXWELLThen, am I to understand that there is no intention on the part of the Government to follow out the recommendations of the Committee on the Potato Crop, 1880?
§ MR. DODSONAs at present advised, there is no such intention.