§ 28. Commander Scott-Millerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance his Department gives in obtaining places at agricultural colleges or institutes for those recommended to be awarded a senior scholarship by the Central Scholarships Committee.
Mr. AmoryMy Department is glad to give information about the centres where diploma courses are held, but candidates must obtain their own places.
§ 29. Commander Scott-Millerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will state the number of applicants dealt with by the Central Scholarships Committee during the last twelve months; and the number of applicants recommended to be awarded a senior scholarship in order to pursue a diploma course at an agricultural college or institute.
Mr. AmoryTwo hundred and fifty-eight applications for scholarships have been received during the last twelve months. One hundred and forty-three applicants have been interviewed by the Central Scholarships Committee. Eleven have been recommended for awards to take diploma courses at colleges or farm Institutes, and two to take diploma courses at Universities.
§ Commander Scott-MillerI thank my right hon. Friend for that information. Is he aware that there is a considerable time of waiting before vacancies occur in agricultural colleges, and is there any point in giving these young men their certificates if they cannot find a place in an agricultural college for eighteen months or more?
Mr. AmoryI have that whole matter under consideration. It is perfectly true 683 that there is a tremendous demand at present for places at these agricultural colleges, but, of course, this particular scheme was derived from conditions many years ago. Today, the big majority of scholarships are awarded by local education authorities, and the number in current award is about 2,500.