HC Deb 29 July 1890 vol 347 cc1162-3
MR. ATKINSON

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture if he is willing to encourage donations towards establishing butter making classes by grants of donations of a similar amount from his Department?

THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. CHAPLIN,) Lincolnshire, Sleaford

I am exceedingly anxious to promote dairy education in the country, in which direction there appears to be room for considerable improvement in many districts, so far as the funds at my disposal admit of it. But before the Board makes any grant, it is necessary they should have a specific scheme before them; and any such scheme, I can assure my hon. Friend, coming either from himself or any other quarter, will have my careful consideration.

MR. FENWICK (Northumberland, Wansbeck)

Has the right hon. Gentleman any objection to consider the matter with the view of facilitating dairy education in the country? Will not the Department over which he has control undertake to facilitate some such scheme?

MR. CHAPLIN

I am considering the whole subject now; but the hon. Member will recollect that the sum at my disposal is extremely limited, and the Board is only able, under its existing powers, to act upon the principle of helping those who help themselves. I have done everything in my power to promote and stimulate interest in the subject, but I am afraid that the development of any general scheme upon the subject can only be very gradual in character.