§ 20. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the total number of places available to students in farm institutes in England and Wales; how many of these are now filled; how many students are the sons or daughters of farmers and farm workers; and whether he will make a statement about the future of farm institute education.
Mr. AmoryThere are 2,176 places for students at farm institutes in England and Wales and of these 1,985 are filled for the current session. Of the students, 603 are sons and daughters of farmers or farm workers. I have decided that the time is approaching when a fresh independent review of the work of farm institutes should be undertaken. I have already put in hand in co-operation with local education authorities an inquiry into farm institute costs. When the results of this inquiry are available, in the latter part of next year, I propose to appoint a Committee to review the position generally.
§ Mr. HurdBefore my right hon. Friend appoints his committee, will he also consult the organisations representing farmers and farm workers, because they are the people, or their sons, who ought to be benefiting more fully from these farm institute courses?