§ 59. Major E. WOODasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether, in view of the shortage of eggs in this country owing to the reduction in imports, any steps are being taken, systematically and adequately, to bring before farmers and smallholders engaged upon the land the imperative need for increased numbers of poultry upon the farms of the country, and, more especially, how far definite work for extension, apart from ordinary lectures, is being undertaken in the counties by visitation of the farmers and providing classes for farmers' wives and daughters in this subject?
Sir A. BOSCAWENEvery endeavour is being made to extend the industry, not only by lectures, but in a practical way, by distributing among small poultry-keepers sittings of eggs from distributing stations, of which 158 have already been established, and by training in poultry-keeping settlers on certain of the Board's farm settlements, and disabled men at other centres. Generally, I may say that the Board fully recognise the importance of encouraging poultry-keeping, and are taking active steps to induce county committees to promote the industry by all well-considered means.