§ 46. Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the repeal of Part I of the Agriculture Act of 1920, and the necessity of drastic reduction in expenditure, it is the intention of the Government to introduce legislation 2171 to repeal Parts II and III of The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries Act, 1919,?which set up councils and advisory committees for England and Wales and county agricultural committees.
The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir Arthur Boscawen)I have been asked to reply. It is not the intention of His Majesty's Government to introduce legislation for the purpose indicated.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYWhat public service is being performed by these various committees, in view of the fact that compulsory cultivation is done away with and that very substantial expense is caused to the taxpayers for the officials of these committees?
Sir A. BOSCAWENMy hon. and gallant Friend, I think, does not realise that, if legislation were carried on the lines he suggests, we should have to get rid of the Council of Agriculture for England, the Agricultural Advisory Committee, and all the agricultural committees of the county councils. I can only say that most of these bodies are doing very useful work.
§ Lieut.-Colonel ASHLEYBut what useful purpose are they serving? They are costing a lot of money, and as all their duties are taken away, what are they doing?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThis should be raised on the Estimates.