20. Mr. BOOTH BYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he has taken to fill the vacancy in the secretary-ship to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland caused by the retirement of Sir Robert Greig on 31st March; and whether he has further plans in view to facilitate the closest possible contact between the Department and representatives of all branches of the agricultural industry of Scotland?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)As regards the first part of the question, after the fullest consideration I have appointed, as Secretary to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland, Mr. P. R. Laird, who since 1921 has been an Assistant Secretary in the Scottish Office.
As regards the second part, I have thought for some time that means should be provided for maintaining closer contact between the Department and representative men actually engaged in and possessing local knowledge and experience of Scottish agriculture in its various branches. With this purpose in view I have appointed an Advisory Council, whose function it will be to confer with and advise the Department on matters affecting the agricultural in- 304 terest of Scotland. The council will be composed as follows:
§ Chairman:
- The Secretary to the Department.
§ Vice-Chairman:
- Mr. J. Milne Home.
§ Members:
- Mr. William Allison,
- Colonel Houldsworth,
- Mr. James Keith,
- Dr. Middleton,
- Mr. William J. Reid,
- Mr. Ross Taylor,
- Major Stirling,
- Mr. W. D. Tait,
- Mr. William Wright.
§ Sir IAN MACPHERSONWill there be a representative of smallholders on this body?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes, Sir. One of the members has been chosen specially because of his knowledge and experience and success in the matter of smallholdings.
§ Sir G. COLLINSIf any question arises respecting the interests of farm servants, two or three farm servants will be asked to come to the meeting, but I have been unable to obtain the name of a farm servant who would be able to give expression to the view of farm servants generally on matters affecting their interests. I can assure my hon. Friend that, when any question arises affecting their interests, two or more representative farm servants will be invited.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYHas the right hon. Gentleman approached Mr. Duncan?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes, I have approached him.
§ Sir I. MACPHERSONIf I can supply the right hon. Gentleman with the name of a farm servant, will he appoint him?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo individual has been appointed to the council to represent any interest.