§ 11. Mr. C. BATHURSTasked whether it is proposed to bring to an end the work of the Rural Education Conference which has for the last three years been considering rural education in all its grades and advising the Boards of Agriculture and Education in reference thereto; if so, when the work of the conference will terminate; and for what reason such termination has been deemed desirable?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI am glad to take this opportunity of acknowledging publicly the valuable services which have been rendered by the Rural Education Conference during the last three years. In particular their Reports and recommendations have been of great assistance in the reorganisation of agricultural education in England and Wales. Having regard to the important changes which will result from the development of the new system, I am considering the desirability of reconstituting the Rural Education Conference on somewhat different lines, but I have no intention of bringing their work to an end, so long as I can supply them with useful references and they are willing to give their time to this work.
§ Mr. BATHURSTDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to carry out the process of reconstitution at an early date?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANYes. I think that it will be necessary that the conference should be reconstituted at an early date to do the kind of work for which it is intended.