HC Deb 13 July 1950 vol 477 cc1549-50
57. Mr. Renton

asked the Minister of Agriculture what is the present establishment of the National Agricultural Advisory Service for England and Wales; and how many vacancies there were on that establishment at the latest date for which figures are available.

Mr. T. Williams

The establishment of the National Agricultural Advisory Service on 30th June, 1950, was 1,465 officers against an approved complement of 1,950.

Mr. Renton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that men who have suitable qualifications for this work have been refused appointments on the ground that they were too old, whereas in two cases of which I know they were under 50? Would the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent age is a bar to this service?

Mr. Williams

If the hon. Member will put down a Question I will gladly answer it. I can tell him that recruitment is undertaken by means of an annual competition. One has just been held and 159 officers have been recruited out of 880 applicants.