§ 52. Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLasked the Prime Minister whether, as a necessary preliminary to carrying out agricultural reconstruction, and rural regeneration as outlined in his speeches on the 16th November, 1918, the 23rd November, 1918, and 7th December, 1918, it is proposed to reorganise the Board of Agriculture in order that it may have the status, staff, and accommodation necessary to effectively administer and control; and, in particular, whether the eleven separate offices now under the Department can be centralised in one building in the interests of efficiency and economy?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Sir A. Griffith-Boscawen)I have been asked to answer this question. The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative, and various proposals are being placed before the Treasury. The position as regards the Board's office accommodation is undoubtedly serious. There are nineteen separate offices, not eleven as stated by the hon Member. My Noble Friend has made representations to the Government on the subject.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLWhen does the hon. Gentleman intend that we shall have a decision on this matter?
§ Sir A. GRIFFITH-BOSCAWENI hope it will be very soon, but it does not rest with me.