§ 32. Mr. EDEasked the Minister of Agriculture how many county agricultural committees have at any time since their creation paid the travelling expenses of their members; how many now pay them; and what contribution towards these expenses is made by the Ministry?
§ Sir R. SANDERSIn 56 of the 62 counties in England and Wales the county scheme originally provided for the payment of travelling expenses to members of the agricultural committee, and in 34 cases this provision still remains. I doubt, however, if expenses are now actually being paid in more than a few counties, but exact information on the point could only be obtained by circularising county councils on the subject. The Ministry has not contributed in respect of expenses of the kind referred to since the 31st March, 1922.
§ Mr. ROYCESeeing that great advantages are undoubtedly obtained by the presence of men who could not pay their own expenses, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the question as to whether the Department cannot contribute towards the expenses?
§ Sir R. SANDERSThis was one of the expenses which it was definitely decided last year should be cut down.