§ 10. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked the President of the Board of Agriculture, if he is aware of the financial position of the Royal Veterinary College at Camden Town, as evidenced by the fact that its expenditure exceeded its income by £273 772 for the year ending 30th April, 1911, by £656 in the following year, and by £465 in the last financial year; and whether, in view of the importance to the agricultural industry of the continuous progress of veterinary science and the continued availability of properly instructed veterinary surgeons, he will take steps to obtain from the Development Fund, or otherwise, a Grant out of public money in aid of the maintenance of the college?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI fully recognise the importance of maintaining the supply of properly qualified veterinary surgeons, and I am considering the case of the Royal Veterinary College as represented by the figures quoted by the hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. C. BATHURSTAm I to understand from the right hon. Gentleman's answer that he is prepared to ask for a Grant for the maintenance of this college out of the Development Fund?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am not sure whether it is within the province of the Development Fund Commissioners to make a Grant to this college for its ordinary maintenance, although it already does make a Grant for research purposes. I believe any such money as may be forthcoming to increase the Grants of the college would have to come out of the ordinary revenue of the year and not out of the Development Fund.