§ 39 and 40. Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) how many farmers received advice from the National Agricultural Advisory Service in the Isle of Axholme, Lincolnshire, during the last year;
(2) what was the weekly average number of farmers calling at the National Agricultural Advisory Service office in Epworth, Lincolnshire, during the last year.
§ Mr. GodberIt is estimated that about 400 farmers in the Isle of Axholme received advice from the National Agricultural Advisory Service last year. The average weekly number of farmers calling at the Epworth office has been 10.
§ Mr. KimballIs my hon. Friend aware that the type of farming in the Isle of Axholme is unique and that the services provided by the N.A.A.S. at the moment 803 are highly valued in the area? Will he give an assurance that he will not attempt to reduce those services for at least one year after the repeal of the penal Sections in the Agriculture Act, 1947, so that we can see to what extent this service is needed?
§ Mr. GodberI do not directly connect this matter with the repeal of Part II of the 1947 Act. This follows from the Wilson Report and the economies made in connection with it. I agree it is very important that these farmers should have the services of the N.A.A.S. freely available, and I should not consider closing this office if I felt that the service would be in any way impaired.