§ MR. MONTAGUI beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether the President of the Board of Agriculture has considered the importance attaching to further development of national research into scientific agricultural problems; and whether any consideration of such research will be included in the terms of reference to the Departmental Committee just appointed.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYThe question of scientific research into agricultural problems has for some time past been engaging our close attention, and I hope that some practical steps may be taken in the near future with a view to the improvement and extension of existing arrangements. The facts of the case are, however, well-known, and there would have been considerable disadvantages in enlarging the scope of the reference to the Committee in the manner suggested.
§ MR. MOLTENO (Dumfriesshire).I beg to ask the hon. Member for South Somerset, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, why the Departmental Committee on Agricultural Education has been limited in its terms of reference to England and Wales.
§ SIR EDWARD STRACHEYMy last Answer was intended to cover this Question also.