§ 55. Commander Maitlandasked the Minister of Agriculture how many county farm institutes include elementary forestry for farmers in their curriculum.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe primary purpose of county farm institutes is to provide full-time courses of instruction for those aiming at work of special responsibility in agriculture and horticulture, and elementary forestry for farmers is not normally included in the curriculum.
§ Commander MaitlandDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that owing to the loss of wealth to this country by the lack of knowledge of farmers in dealing with the small coverts that are to be found all over England, and which are not normally afforested, such a course would be of great value?
Mr. WilliamsYes, but departmental responsibility for instruction in forestry rests at present with the Forestry Commission. They have already five schools operating for training, two in England, two in Scotland and one in Wales.
§ Major Legge-BourkeIs it not a fact that so far as other fields of education are concerned, such as the Young Farmers' Clubs, the Ministry of Education have some responsibility with the right hon. Gentleman's Ministry, and cannot the same apply in this case?