HC Deb 04 May 1939 vol 346 cc2070-1
69. Mr. Rhys Davies

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will consider extending scholarships under the control of his Department to young persons residing in urban areas who desire to undertake training in agriculture, or as an alternative make such scholarships available to all suitable young persons alike, irrespective of the type of district in which they live, or the employment of their parents?

The Minister of Agriculture (6olonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)

The only scholarships for young persons desirous of undertaking agricultural training that are directly under the control of my Department are those available under the special scheme of scholarships for the sons and daughters of agricultural workmen. This scheme is designed to benefit those sections of the agricultural community whose means are such that they cannot be expected to make any contribution towards the cost of their training. Subject to the regulations governing the scheme, an application for a scholarship is accepted irrespective of the kind of area in which the applicant resides. Scholarships for other classes of people, including the classes which the hon. Member has in mind, are provided by local authorities with the aid of grants from my Department.

Mr. Davies

Is the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that some local authorities do not assist children from urban areas to go on to the land, and is it not vital that the Government should encourage them to do so?

Sir R. Dorman-Smith

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman has some information to give me. I will have a talk with him on the matter.