HC Deb 07 December 1948 vol 459 c246
9. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make on the future of the Agricultural Machinery Development Board and the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering as these bodies affect Scotland.

Mr. Woodburn

As indicated in the reply of 29th November given on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to the hon. Member for Altrincham and Sale (Mr. Erroll), my right hon. Friend and I are reconstituting the National Institute of Agricultural Engineering as a grant-aided research Institute with an independent constitution and governing body, to operate under the scientific guidance of the Agricultural Research Council. There will be appropriate Scottish representation on the governing body. The Scottish station will continue as an integral part of the Institute, and will be administered by a special Committee of the governing body. Arrangements will also be made for the performance of certain advisory work hitherto within the scope of the Agricultural Machinery Development Board. On these changes taking place, the Board will be wound up.