HC Deb 20 March 1928 vol 215 cc194-5
17. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why no advance has yet been granted in the salaries of the staffs of the Scottish colleges of agriculture; and why the governors of the respective colleges are prevented by the Board of Agriculture from giving adequate remuneration to their staffs?

Sir J. GILMOUR

The revised scales of salaries which have been approved by the Treasury after discussion with the Board of Agriculture have recently been communicated by the Board to the college authorities. There is no foundation for the suggestion in the second part of the question.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is it not a fact that the authorities of the college are anxious to increase the salaries beyond the scale which has been approved, and that, as a matter of fact, this advance is being held up for that reason?

Sir J. GILMOUR

As the hon. and gallant Gentleman knows, a good deal of negotiation has taken place, and matters have recently reached a point more advantageous than the position in which they were before. I think it would be as well to wait and see the result of the decision which has been reached.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Are the negotiations still proceeding?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I think they have reached a stage of approval of the conditions.