HC Deb 23 July 1918 vol 108 cc1638-9
56. Colonel STIRLING

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether Mr. C. J. N. Fleming, inspector of schools, Scottish Education Department, has been appointed Director of Cultivation under the Board of Agriculture for Scotland, in place of Mr. William Barber; and, if so, what are the practical qualifications of Mr. Fleming for this appointment?

The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)

Mr. Fleming is a Civil servant of long experience and high capacity, with a good general knowledge of agriculture. As secretary to the district agricultural committees of Berwick and Selkirk he was extremely successful in extending cultivation in these counties. From this work he was selected by the Ministry of Food as Deputy-Commissioner for the East of Scotland. His present appointment is to undertake temporary duty as Director of Cultivation in Scotland. For such a position administrative capacity and experience are of the first importance. Mr. Fleming will act under the general supervision of the Board and in association with officers of wide agricultural knowledge. The appointment, I may add, had Mr. Barber's warm approval, and, so far as I can judge, any criticism proceeds from quarters in which Mr. Fleming is not known. I have every confidence that the appointment will justify the Board's expectations.

Colonel STIRLING

Is Mr. Fleming a practical farmer or has he any practical knowledge of farming?

Mr. MUNRO

I have already stated the practical knowledge which he possesses, and that he has the full confidence of the Board and of the agricultural community.

Mr. GULLAND

Has he retained his position as inspector of schools?

Mr. MUNRO

I think not.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the appointment of a school inspector to this post has caused serious disquiet and mistrust among the agriculturists in Scotland?

Mr. MUNRO

I have no such information, and I am satisfied that when Mr. Fleming has filled the position for a very short time any such feeling as may exist will disappear.

Mr. PRINGLE

Is it the policy of the Scottish Office to appoint people to offices for which their capacity is unknown?

Mr. MUNRO

Certainly not.