§ 52. Sir FREDRIC WISEasked the Minister of Agriculture the total amount of expenditure on agriculture and on fisheries, respectively, since 1919–20, including the Estimates for 1925–26?
Mr. WOODAs the answer is somewhat long, I propose, with my hon. Friend's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
Sir F. HALLIs it not a fact that these figures have enormously increased from 1919 to 1924–25? What steps is the Department to take to reduce the enormous expenditure?
Mr. WOODThe figures are, of course, increased, and, as my hon. Friend appreciates, we are doing much more work for the money.
Sir F. HALLIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that the Government are getting a fair return for the enormous increase of expenditure incurred?
§ Mr. SPEAKERNo Government should ever be satisfied.
§ Following is the answer:
§ The total net expenditure on Agriculture and on Fisheries respectively—including expenditure borne by the Development Fund, expenditure on accommodation, printing, stationery, etc., for this Ministry borne on the Votes of other Departments, and including also expenditure on the Corn Production Guarantee, on Land Drainage Works for the Relief of Unemployment, under the Agricultural Credits Act, 1923, and in relief of Agricultural Rates (all of which items have been provided for under Votes other than those for the Ministry itself) is, for the years from 1919–20 to 1025–26 (estimated as regards the last year), as follows:
| £ | |
| Agriculture (including Kew Gardens) | 48,582,375 |
| Fisheries | 2,090,070 |
§ In addition to the foregoing, loans have been made by the Public Works Loan Commissioners for the following agricultural purposes:—
| £ | |
| (a) Land settlement | 15,206,710 |
| (b)Agricultural Credits Act, 1923 (Section I) | 4,223,218 |