88 and 89. Lieutenant-Colonel MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland (1) whether it is proposed to establish a Council of Agriculture in Scotland to cooperate with the Board of Agriculture; if so, whether the council is to be a statutory or a voluntary body; whether he can state the system under which the members of the council will be nominated; (2) whether, in the event of the establishment of a Council of Agriculture in Scotland, he will take steps to ensure that the small-holders of Scotland are adequately represented on the council?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I have been in consultation with the Scottish Board of Agriculture and with the various agricultural societies with a view to the establishment of a Council of Agriculture for Scotland. I hope to be in a position shortly to make a general statement on the subject. In constituting the council I shall keep in view the interests of small-holders as well as those of other agricultural occupiers.
Lieutenant-Colonel MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman give us a guarantee that the small-holders will be represented on this council?
§ Mr. MUNROTheir interests will be borne in mind, but I am not prepared to commit myself to-day to the constitution of the council.
§ Mr. CLYNESMay I ask whether in the term "agricultural organisation" the agricultural workers of Scotland are included?
§ Mr. MUNROOh. yes, Sir; a meeting which I have held included representatives of the workers' union.
§ Lieutenant-Colonel WEIGALLIn view of the proposed reorganisation of the Board of Agriculture in this country, will the whole matter be reviewed before the right hon. Gentleman sets up a Council for Scotland?
§ Mr. MUNROI shall make it my duty to confer with the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.