§ 9. Viscount SANDONasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what action is being taken on the recommendations of the Report on the Colonial veterinary services and as to the formation of a unified Imperial service?
§ Mr. AMERYThe recommendations of the Committee which was appointed to inquire into the question of the organisation and efficiency of the Colonial Veterinary Services have been considered, and the Report—Cmd. 3261—has been sent, with my observations thereon, to the various Colonies and Protectorates. In my opinion, the most urgent problem to be faced is the present lack of qualified candidates, and certain Colonial Governments have been asked whether they would be willing to make contributions 1280 towards the establishment of a Scholarship Scheme on lines similar to the existing Agricultural Scholarship Scheme. It is my wish to see this Scholarship Scheme brought into being as soon as possible, so that the first selection of scholars may be made during the summer of this year. The Colonial Advisory Council of Agriculture and Animal Health has been formed, and, in due course, the two Committees of Animal Health and of Agriculture are expected to develop. Various other recommendations have been approved in principle, but further examination of details is required.