§ 68. Major Legge-Bourkeasked the Minister of Agriculture why the National Advisory Service is to take over the duties of crop reporters as from 1st April, 1949; and what grounds he has for assuming that the accuracy of crop reports will be maintained at the high standard achieved by the Crop Reporting Service that has operated since 1919.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsAn essential part of the National Agricultural Advisory Service was the appointment of whole-time district officers throughout the country whose duty it is to make themselves familiar with the agricultural conditions in their districts. These officers are therefore well qualified to carry out the 518 duties hitherto performed by the Ministry's part-time crop reporters. My Department is therefore exploring the possibility of transferring these duties on the 1st April, 1949, but a definite decision has not yet been reached. The change, if made, would be dictated solely by reasons of economy; it would certainly be no reflection on the qualifications of the existing crop reporters who have rendered valuable services over a long period of years.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs it not a fact that the National Advisory Service in certain counties has already carried out experiments in crop reporting, and that the results of such experiments have been rather unsatisfactory, although some counties came nearer than others to getting accurate forecasts; and will the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that this new system will not be brought into operation until he is confident that its efficiency is as great as the present system?
§ Mr. WilliamsI can assure the hon. and gallant Gentleman that we shall satisfy ourselves as to the efficiency of the new service before we bring it into operation.
§ Captain CrookshankWill the Minister say what is the economy he wishes to achieve?
§ Mr. WilliamsThe members of the National Advisory Service are full-time officers, and there will be no further need to employ part-time officers to do the same sort of work.