§ *MR. E. STRACHEY (Somerset, S.)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he is aware that the experiment of telegraphing weather forecasts to telegraph offices in rural districts in certain counties, for exhibition during hay or corn, harvest, gave satisfaction to those interested; and, if so, whether the sending of these forecasts can be further extended, or at least sent to those counties where they are found to be of value to agriculturists?
§ *THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE (Mr. HERBERT GARDNER,) Essex, Saffron WaldenSo far as I can gather from the information which has reached me, the experimental exhibition of the weather forecasts at the telegraph offices in rural districts has not been so beneficial as I had hoped, and I am doubtful whether the assistance rendered to agriculturists by this means is sufficient to justify me in making a further application to the Treasury on the subject. I shall be glad, however, to further consider the matter, and if it 268 should appear that the arrangement is of real service to agriculturists during harvest-time, I would do my best to secure its continuance in localities where it was appreciated.
§ *MR. E. STRACHEYasked the right hon. Gentleman whether the Central Chamber of Agriculture had passed a resolution approving of the continuation of the weather forecasts; and, if so, whether he did not consider that sufficient reason to justify him in asking the Treasury for assistance in the matter?
§ *MR. GARDNERThe resolution has been placed in my hand since I came into the House, and I can assure the hon. Member that it shall receive that consideration which any communication from so influential a body as the Central Chamber of Agriculture deserves.