§ 52. Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if Sir Sydney Olivier will act also as Secretary of the Fisheries Branch of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries; and, if so, if he has had any previous acquaintance with the subject and the difficult problems now under investigation by a committee of the Fisheries Department of the Board?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I do not know how far Sir Sydney Olivier is acquainted with the problems to which the hon. Member refers, but I have no doubt that his administrative experience and ability will enable him to use the recommendations of the Board's expert advisers to the best advantage.
§ Mr. FELLAre retired Colonial Governors of advanced age capable of pursuing the arduous study of the problems that arise at the Board?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThere are two misstatements in the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. Sir Sydney Olivier is not a retired Colonial Governor—he is still in active service—and he is not of an advanced age.
§ Mr. SNOWDENCan the right hon. Gentleman tell the House whether the late Secretary of the Fisheries Board, Sir Thomas Elliott, had any experience of fishery problems when he was appointed by a Unionist Ministry?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI would like to have notice of that; but my recollection is that Sir Thomas Elliott was private secretary to the right hon. Gentleman who is now a Member of this House before he took up his duties at the Board of Agriculture.
§ 59. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked when Sir Sydney Olivier will take up his duties as Permanent Secretary of the Board; and whether, for a time after doing so, he will enjoy the benefit of the guidance and long experience of the present Secretary, Sir Thomas Elliott?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANSir Sydney Olivier will take up his duties as Permanent Secretary of the Board on 4th February next. From my knowledge of Sir Thomas Elliott I have no doubt that he will be glad at any time to give to his successor the benefit of his experience.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEDoes the right hon. Gentleman think Sir Sydney Olivier's knowledge of Socialism will be of any advantage to the Board of Agriculture?