§ 14. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, on how many occasions the Farm Buildings Research Committee has met; and what results the Committee has achieved.
§ Mr. John HareThe Farm Buildings Research Committee, set up by the Agricultural Research Council in June, 1957, has met on three occasions. As explained to the hon. Member on 15th April, a special unit has been established by the Agricultural Research Council to carry out surveys on existing farm buildings and 660 the immediate requirements of farmers. In addition, reports have been called for from experts in such varied subjects as animal physiology, pest infestation and agricultural machinery. In the collection of this information, the council is working in close co-operation with my Department's Agricultural Land Service. It will of necessity be some time before the results of all these inquiries are available to enable the Committee to formulate the research requirements and to recommend the steps that should be taken to implement them.
§ Mr. WilleyI appreciate that this is effective comprehensive work. Nevertheless, does not the Minister agree that this is both very important and urgently required work? Will he see that the Committee expedites its consideration and issues its recommendations and advice as soon as possible?
§ Mr. HareI quite agree with the hon. Member that it is extremely important work. In my reply, I have tried to show him that a great deal of preliminary work will be necessary before sound recommendations can be put forward.