§ 20. Mr. Cocksasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in conjunction with the Minister of Health, he will consider setting up local advisory boards of agricultural and gardening experts under the supervision of the local authority to stimulate the allotment movement?
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAction on the lines suggested by the hon. Member was taken by my Department immediately after the outbreak of war. In the great majority of the larger towns horticultural advisory committees have already been established by the local authorities in order to give stimulus and technical help to allotment holders and private gardeners in their areas, and the Ministry's horticultural inspectors are available to give such assistance as may be required by the committees. In addition a panel of several hundred practical gardeners has been established by the Royal Horticultural Society in conjunction with the Ministry. The services of these men are available for lectures, advisory visits, etc., at the request of committees; they act in a voluntary capacity, receiving only their out-of-pocket expenses, and my right hon. Friend is indebted to them and to the Society for this helpful collaboration in the furtherance of the allotment movement.