§ 61. Sir Waldron Smithersasked the Minister of Agriculture if, in view of the fact that the cost falling on public funds of county agricultural committees for the year 1950–51 was nearly £4,000,000, he will now close them down.
§ Sir T. DugdaleNo, Sir. The main function of the county agricultural executive committees, which were established on a permanent basis under the Agriculture Act, 1947, is the promotion of agricultural development and efficiency and they have many important duties to perform in the interests of food production.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that now we have a Conservative Government in power this form of Gestapo should be brought to an end?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI cannot agree that the agricultural committees are a form of Gestapo.