§ Mr. BOTTOMLEYasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has decided to discontinue the practice observed by his predecessors in office of being at home to British fanners during (the Cattle Show week; and, if so, whether he will reconsider his action in thus depriving the practical agriculturists of the country of the advantage of consultation with him?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI assume that the hon. Member refers to the invitation issued by my immediate predecessor in office, which I understand to have been entirely unofficial in character. I do not propose to issue a similar invitation, not from any failure to recognise the advantages of personal consultation with agriculturists, but because I think I see my way to secure this object more effectively by other means.
§ Mr. WEDGWOODMight I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not more important he should be at home to the agricultural labourer?
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this practice, which was instituted by Earl Carrington, was greatly appreciated by British farmers during the Fat Stock show?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am very glad to hear anything my predecessor did was appreciated by the British farmers.
§ Mr. JOYNSON-HICKSAre you surprised?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANNot at all surprised.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYWhat are the special means the right hon Gentleman intends to substitute?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANBy myself attending the farmers on their farms, amongst others.
§ Sir FORTESCUE FLANNERYWill the right hon. Gentleman undertake to see large as well as small farmers?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. Member had been aware of what happened during last week, he would have known that I took steps to see both large and small farmers on their farms, and I shall continue to do that while I remain in office.