HC Deb 02 December 1957 vol 579 cc6-7
9. Mr. Peart

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what have been the results of his consultations with the Minister of Education to increase the numbers of technical courses for agricultural students.

Mr. Godber

My right hon. Friend the Minister of Education and my right hon. Friend are awaiting the report of the committee which is reviewing the agricultural education provided by local education authorities under the chairmanship of Lord De La Warr.

Mr. Peart

Will the Minister give an assurance that there will be no delay after the report is published, because in some areas there are inadequate facilities for technical courses for agricultural students, and already in some county areas students have to go outside at their own expense, which again causes considerable hardship?

Mr. Godber

Yes, Sir, but on the other hand there are vacancies in many places which we are unable to fill. It is because of these various problems that the committee was set up, and when we get its report we will look at this.

Mr. Peart

But the hon. Gentleman must realise that in some county areas there are no places for certain courses.

Mr. Godber

Yes, Sir, I am fully aware of that.