HC Deb 05 December 1934 vol 295 cc1590-1
63. Sir P. HURD

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury the amount and defined purpose of the grant made by the Development Commissioners to the rural industries bureau in England; and what is the total amount of such grants since their inception

Mr. COOPER

The rural industries bureau was set up in November, 1921, to obtain and circulate information and to give expert advice to the Departments, persons and institutions concerned in the development of rural and home industries. A grant of £7,000 was made from the Development Fund in aid of the work of the bureau during the year ended the 30th September, 1934. The total amount of the grants made to the bureau since its inception is £58,558.

Mr. GLEDHILL

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that in some cases this bureau is competing with private concerns?