HC Deb 21 November 1911 vol 31 cc1017-8
Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will say what proportion of the total income of the Board available for agricultural purposes is expended annually upon administration expenses and the salaries of officials and inspectors?

Mr. LEWIS

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow me to circulate the answer with the Votes, as it contains a large number of figures.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Mr. C. BATHURST

That is not an answer to my question.

Mr. SPEAKER

The hon. Member has had his answer.

Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he will state what is the present total income of the Board available for all the purposes of the Board other than fisheries and the maintenance of Kew Gardens; and how such income compares with the income available for the like purposes in 1900 and 1905?

Mr. LEWIS

I would ask the hon. Member to allow me to circulate the answer with the Votes. I think he will see that it would be undesirable to occupy the time of the House in reading the long answer which his question requires.—[See Written Answers this date.]

Mr. C. BATHURST

I must appeal to you, Mr. Speaker, whether I cannot have any further answer. The question is addressed to the President of the Board of Agriculture, who, as a rule, is not present at question time.

Mr. SPEAKER

I cannot compel him to be present.

Mr. LEWIS

May I be allowed to say that my right hon. Friend is at present engaged in inspecting small holdings, a work which, I am sure, the Whole House will approve. It would be impossible for him to be here every day. Under these circumstances, I hope the House will accept the answers which have been given to the questions on the Paper.