HC Deb 15 December 1927 vol 211 cc2500-1
56. Mr. COWAN

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the county agricultural organisers in Scotland are dissatisfied with the failure of the Board of Agriculture to deal with the salary question affecting them, notwithstanding the assurances previously given and contrary to the wishes of the three Scottish colleges, and that the failure to put salaries on a satisfactory basis is having a harmful effect on rural and agricultural education in Scotland; and will he undertake to consult the county staffs of the agricultural colleges, through their association, with a view to arriving at salary scales generally comparable with those paid to agricultural organisers in England?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply by me on 12th instant to the hon. Member for Peebles and Southern Midlothian (Mr. Westwood).

Mr. COWAN

Will the Minister undertake that the association is consulted before a decision is arrived at?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I will consider that, but I think there is no occasion, as I understand communications have been made with the association.