§ 11. Mr. VAUGHAN DAVIESasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he has received any representations as to the necessity of making new arrangements for the administration of agricultural business in Wales; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take in order to satisfy the special requirements of Welsh agriculturists and to secure the allocation of moneys from the Development Fund on lines which will commend themselves to the Welsh people?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)Yes, I have received representations on this subject and have been giving them very careful consideration for some time. The increased activities of the Board, especially with regard to scientific research and technical education, have rendered necessary new machinery in order to enable the Board to meet the special requirements and circumstances of Wales. I have therefore obtained the authority of the Treasury for the appointment of an Agricultural Commissioner for Wales, whose primary duty it will be to advise the Board as to the manner in which Grants from the Development Fund can with advantage be expended in that country, and generally to supervise the business arising in connection therewith, but who will also advise and assist the Board in connection with their work in Wales generally.
I am glad to inform the House that Professor Bryner Jones, M.Sc., the present Principal of the Agricultural Department of the University College of Wales at Aberystwyth, whose distinguished career is well known in Wales, and whose competency for the work is beyond question, has consented to accept the new appointment, at any rate until the 1st January, 1914. He will give his whole time to his official duties. In addition to the appointment of the Commissioner, I propose also to constitute an Agricultural Council for Wales, which will meet twice a year for the discussion of agricultural questions, and for the interchange of views between its members and the Board. The Council will mainly consist of agriculturists, nominated by the Welsh county councils and representatives of the University Colleges. An additional Welsh-speaking inspector will be appointed to act as secretary. I believe that by these means I shall be able to bring the Board into closer touch with Welsh agri- 1292 culturists than has hitherto been the case, and to secure for them further and more adequate assistance on lines which commend themselves to those best acquainted with the special difficulties and necessities of the country.
§ Mr. RAWLINSONCould the right hon. Gentleman tell us the salaries of these various new officials?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANIf the hon. and learned Gentleman will put down a question on that point, I will give him full information. The inspectors, of course, will be on the ordinary customary scale, and in substitution of one or two who are at present trying to do the work.
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot answer that question without notice; but everyone who knows Wales knows it is in many respects agricultural.
§ Mr. HEWINSAs distinct from the marches of Wales.