HC Deb 03 November 1930 vol 244 cc472-3
69. Mr. W. B. TAYLOR

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will make a statement as to the results obtained from the Fourth World's Poultry Congress, which was subsidised by His Majesty's Government and organised by his Department?

Dr. ADDISON

I would refer my hon. Friend to a report on the Congress which appeared in the Journal of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for October, of which I am sending him a copy. From that report he will see that through the cordial co-operation of the poultry industry and all concerned the Congress was very successful, and I am glad to say that it was carried out for a net expenditure well within the limitation of the grant of £5,000 authorised by the Treasury. I should like to take this opportunity of saying how greatly the Press contributed to the success of the undertaking. The newspapers recognised the national value of the gathering and gave space freely with a generosity that compelled attention, and for which I tender my sincere thanks.

Mr. TAYLOR

Is it not a fact that a large part of the success of the conference was due to the work of my right hon. Friend's Department in organising it?

Dr. ADDISON

I think that may well be so.

Mr. MILLS

Can my right hon. Friend state what proportion of the prize birds was bought on behalf of the agricultural communities of the Russian Government?

Dr. ADDISON

I am afraid I cannot answer that question.

Mr. MILLS

Is my right hon. Friend aware that 70 per cent. of the first-prize birds were bought on behalf of the agricultural societies of Russia?