§ 27. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will state the circumstances under which sums of money have been granted to various county and borough councils for the purposes of technical education in agriculture; and whether he will state what amounts have been so granted, giving the areas and amounts separately?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Sir John Gilmour)The provision of 193 technical education in agriculture in England and Wales is a normal function of county and county borough councils. They are aided in the discharge of that function by annual grants from my Department at the rate of 60 per cent, of their approved net expenditure. With regard to the last part of the question, I am sending the hon. Member a statement giving the information asked for in respect of the financial year 1st April, 1931, to 31st March, 1932.
§ Mr. GROVESWhat is the amount permitted to be expended in Essex?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe hon. Gentleman will see the answer, which is a long one. If it does not give all that he wishes, perhaps he will put down a further question.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWIs there any maximum set by the Department to the expenditure of local authorities which is likely to be approved?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWhen local authorities apply, we consider each case on its merits, and there is a limit of 60 per cent. of the amount which we may contribute to an approved scheme.