§ Mr. YOUNGERasked the Prime Minister whether it is in contemplation to appoint an Agricultural Adviser to the Scottish Office; if so, whether this appointment is being made with a view to establish a Scottish Department of Agriculture; and whether, in that event, the Department is to be placed under the Secretary for Scotland?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)The answer is in the negative as regards the Scottish Office. It has, however, been thought desirable to provide the Scotch Education Department with professional assistance for the supervision of the Agricultural Colleges in Scotland and the more recent developments of their work. Treasury sanction has therefore been obtained to the appointment of an Agricultural Adviser to the Department who will give part of his time under the direction of the Congested Districts Board to the supervision of the work of that Board. The policy of the Government in regard to the establishment of a Department of Agriculture for Scotland has already been made known to Parliament by the legislative proposals recently submitted on behalf of the Government.
§ Mr. YOUNGERMay I ask whether this Adviser is also to advise as to the Development Grant?
§ Viscount HELMSLEYWill this afford another opportunity of employing an ex-Member of this House?