§ 20. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked what is now the total annual amount expended by the Board on the promotion and development of agriculture and agricultural education, and excluding fisheries, forestry, and the maintenance of Kew Gardens; and how the amount compares with similar departmental expenditure in France, Germany, the United States, Holland, and Belgium?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe total amount spent by the Board in the year 1912–13 upon work of the kind mentioned by the hon. Member was approximately £222,700, exclusive of salaries paid to officers of the Board. The circumstances affecting similar expenditure in the other countries mentioned are so different that I am unable to give figures for comparison on a corresponding basis.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTCan the right hon. Gentleman give figures in reply to a further question—as the basis does not necessarily accurately correspond—so that we may get some guide as between other countries and ourselves?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI will be very glad to give what information I have, but I would like to see the question before I make any promise in regard to it.