HC Deb 20 February 1912 vol 34 c445
Mr. CHARLES BATHURST

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture to what institutions, and for the conduct of what branches of scientific inquiry, the Board has allotted or decided to allot the sum of £33,000 placed by the Development Commissioners at the disposal of the Board for the purposes of agricultural research?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

A Grant of £30,000 per annum will be made from the Development Fund for work at research institutes in the following subjects, namely, plant physiology, plant pathology (mycological side), plant breeding, fruit growing, plant nutrition and soil problems, animal nutrition, animal breeding, animal pathology, dairy investigation, agricultural zoology, and the economics of agriculture. Negotiations are proceeding as to the places at which the work will be carried on. It is proposed to allocate an additional sum of £5,000 for investigations of a special character during the ensuing financial year, and I hope shortly to be in a position to announce the purposes for which this sum will be expended.

Mr. C. BATHURST

Have any definite sums been promised to any existing institutions in respect of this Grant?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I cannot say. I cannot give a full list at present, but as soon as the negotiations are completed I will communicate full particulars to the House.

Sir RYLAND ADKINS

Will an opportunity be given to county councils to put in any claims in certain cases for a share of this Grant in respect of works they are undertaking or are prepared to undertake?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I do not know how far that is possible within the conditions laid down, but I will consider it.