§ 66. Mr. Watkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is satisfied with the amount of funds allotted to research in agriculture and horticulture; and if he has any information to show how this compares with the programme of the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsThe answer to the first part of this Question is "Yes, Sir," having regard to the limiting factors of available trained staff and buildings and equipment. As regards the second part, I have no information as to the amount spent on agricultural and horticultural research in the U.S.S.R. I understand that expenditure in the U.S.A. is substantially greater than here, but it is difficult to make any satisfactory comparison owing to the very different circumstances in the two countries.
§ Wing-Commander MillingtonIs the Minister aware that one of the reasons why agricultural research is not going on as it should be is because the local committees cannot afford to pay decent salaries to the research workers?
§ Mr. WilliamsThat may be the explanation, but I am not sure of it.
§ Captain BlackburnWill the right hon. Gentleman look into the question which has just been asked, and satisfy himself that research workers are paid proper rates of wages so that they may be attracted to this extremely important work of production?