§ 34. Mr. IRVINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he can give in broad outline the general scheme of reorganisation of the fisheries division of the Board; and, in particular, whether it is proposed to transfer from the Government Departments at present concerned such matters as the education of fishermen or the registration, lettering, and numbering of fishing boats, to the reconstituted fisheries division at the Board?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am not yet prepared to make any statement on the subject either in general terms or in respect of those details to which reference is made in the second part of the question, especially having regard to the fact that some at least of these matters would involve legislation.
§ Mr. IRVINGCan the hon. Gentleman say when he will be able to give details?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI made a statement a week ago on the proposed reorganisation of the Board; these proposals would involve legislation; I hope that an opportunity will take place then.
§ 35. Mr. IRVINGasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture Whether, in future appointments of inspectors or assistant inspectors of fisheries, he will cause the vacancies to be announced by public advertisement or, alternatively, arrange for an examination to be held by the Civil Service Commissioners into the fitness of the candidates for posts of this description; and, since there appears to be an aversion on the part of the Board to appoint gentlemen with scientific degrees to posts of inspectors of fisheries, will he say whether the possession of a scientific degree is held to disqualify a man from exercising administrative or executive functions?
Sir A. BOSCAWENI am sending the hon. Member a copy of a notice recently circulated to the Press on the subject of future appointments to the Board. I am not aware of any justification for the suggestions made in the second part of the question. Other things being equal, preference would invariably be given to a candidate possessing suitable scientific qualifications.