§ MR. LANE-FOX (Yorkshire, W.R., Barkston Ash)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can state what steps, if any, the Government have taken or have in contemplation with a view to securing improved accommodation for the Board of Agriculture.
I beg also to ask Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer whether the inquiry promised by him into the status of various Government Departments will embrace the question of the urgent need for better accommodation of the Board of Agriculture, and the possibility of housing this Department in one building, suitable to the importance of its functions rather than, as at present, in three totally inadequate offices situate at a considerable distance from each other.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. HARCOURT, Lancashire, Rossendale)1578 The matter is engaging my earnest attention; it is, however, a large question, and I am not at present prepared to make any statement on the subject. My right hon. friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer desires me to add, in reply to the Question put down by the hon. Member to him, that he thinks this matter had better be dealt with apart from the general subject referred to.