53. Mr. Baker Whiteasked the Minister of Agriculture if his attention has been called to the telegram dated 4th April sent by the Students Committee of the Plas Dinan Training Centre, Montgomeryshire, to the chief training officer of his Department requesting an investigation into their complaints; and what action has been taken as the result of it.
Mr. T. WilliamsYes, Sir. My Department has been in touch with the President of the Students' Committee and arrangements have been made for officers of the Department to visit the Centre on 16th May.
Mr. Baker WhiteWill the Minister ask his officers to investigate why it is 1212 that although training in pig-keeping is promised in the syllabus, three out of four of the pig-styes are occupied by geese and the fourth by a cow; and why the horticultural equipment there bears no relation whatsoever to modern horticultural practice?
Mr. WilliamsThe student representatives have made representation to the Department, and I repeat that officers will be on the premises on 16th May to ascertain exactly what are the difficulties, if any.
§ Mr. HurdThe Minister tells us that responsible officers are going there on 16th May. Can he tell us the last occasion when a responsible officer of his Department went to this training centre?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIs the Minister satisfied with the training and instruction given at the training centre?
Mr. WilliamsI was satisfied until complaints were made. Now I am less satisfied until an investigation has taken place.