HC Deb 06 January 1913 vol 46 c822
45. Mr. C. BATHURST

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the increasing recognition of the national importance of promoting prosperity in agricultural industries and the consciousness of the need for reform in rural education, methods of cultivation, and conditions of labour and housing upon agricultural holdings, and of the progress in such matters being made in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and other Continental countries, he will consider the advisability of appointing a non-partisan Royal Commission on Agriculture similar to that which reported in 1882, and permit certain of its members, as in the case of the former Commission, to travel abroad and make personal investigation on the spot of the methods adopted in other countries?

The PRIME MINISTER

As I have already stated, I do not think, after full consideration, that there is any necessity at present for the appointment of such a Commission as that suggested by the hon. Member.