§ 71. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Agriculture whether there are enough trained personnel available to fill the posts in the new Agricultural Advisory Service, to staff the County Agricultural Committees that will continue the work of the W.A.E.C's and also enable the development of the farm institutes and other educational and training establishments for the future workers and farmers in this country, or what steps he proposes to take to ensure that the farm institutes are adequately staffed.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsI accept the implication of my hon. Friend's question that there is a shortage of men and women with the technical qualifications required for the Agricultural Education and Advisory Services on the scale ultimately contemplated. It is my intention, as far as possible, to secure a fair distribution of trained staff between the two services, and at the same time to ensure that the county committees can continue to carry out their duties efficiently. The steps necessary to this end will be considered at an early date when we shall have more complete information about the available supply of staff.
Lieut.-Colonel DowerWill the right hon. Gentleman not appoint fanners who have failed in their own particular work, and whose appointment would be very 932 strongly resented in the agricultural industry?
§ Mr. WilliamsIf the hon. and gallant Member will look at the question again, I think he will find that farmers are not likely to be applicants for the Advisory Service.
§ Mr. DyeCan my right hon. Friend say what number of farm institutes will be established in the country?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat is another question.