§ Mr. CHARLES BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether it has yet been decided to establish a farm institute, and, if so, in what county or counties; and what proportion, if any, of the cost of the establishment of such institutes is now being required from local authorities?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would refer the hon. Member to the written answer which I gave on 1st March to the hon. Member for the Sleaford Division of Lincolnshire, and to which I cannot usefully add anything at present.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes this imply that nothing has been done in the way of the formation of county farm institutes; since that day?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANWhat I informed the hon. Member for Sleaford was that negotiations were now proceeding between the Board of Agriculture, the Treasury, and the Board of Education on the subject.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTWill the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my question as to the money required?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThat has been made public for some time past. The amount granted represents up to 75 per cent, of the building cost and up to 50 per cent, of the cost of maintenance.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTDoes that apply to all counties, whatever the amount of money they are spending on agricultural education?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI cannot make a full statement until the negotiations have been completed.