56. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Agriculture if he will make a statement showing the Government's proposals for setting up and encouraging the growth of suitable allied industries in rural districts, with a view to obtaining a better balanced distribution of industry to assist agricultural country life.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe Rural Industries Bureau was set up in 1921 for the purpose of encouraging and giving technical advice to rural crafts and small-scale industries, especially those ancillary to agriculture, and the work of this body continues. Moreover, after consultation with my right hon. Friend and the President of the Board of Trade, the Development Commissioners have now appointed an officer to make a survey, in certain areas to be selected, of the economic aspects of industry in rural districts and small country towns in their relation to agriculture and the welfare of the rural population; and the whole question will be further considered in the light of his report.
Mr. De la BèreDoes my right hon. Friend appreciate that the real problem to be solved is that of a better relationship between factories and farmers, and that if he can get that a great deal of good will be done?