§ 51. Mr. Rhys Daviesasked the Minister of Agriculture whether national diploma courses are being continued in agricultural colleges; whether Ministry of Agriculture scholarships for the children of farm workers and others, to enable them to take such courses, still continue; and, if not, why?
Mr. HudsonThe answer to the first part of the Question is in the affirmative. In reply to the second and third parts, although certain awards made before the outbreak of war are being continued, in existing circumstances the need for farm work is so great that the operation of the scholarship scheme has been suspended. I need not say that I shall keep the position under constant review, and restore the scheme as soon as the position justifies.
§ Mr. DaviesIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the decision has interfered with the scholastic courses of some young people who are actually in the middle of such courses? Is it not possible to allow them to continue to the end?
Mr. HudsonOne of the main difficulties was the lack of teachers. As the House will be aware, last summer, in order to speed up the food production campaign, I was compelled to divert technical teachers to assist district committees in the actual food production campaign. Until we are a good deal "forrader," I am not prepared to allow them to go back to their normal duties.
§ Sir Joseph LambIs it not a fact that the national necessity was greater than the personal one?