§ 19. Mr. Kimballasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what steps he is taking to see that the Nature Conservancy does not make a further loss on its catering activities in the current year.
§ Mr. GodberThe Nature Conservancy's catering arrangements are confined to remote field stations where it is necessary to provide facilities. In the year ending 31st March, 1957, losses of £217 and £177 were made at two stations. The Nature Conservancy has hitherto been unable to find means of eliminating a loss on working at these remote field stations, but it is continuing efforts to this end and has invited the Treasury Chief Catering Adviser to help it.
§ Mr. KimballIs my hon. Friend aware that it is totally unnecessary that the Nature Conservancy should make a loss of £394 on its catering activities? Is he aware that if only Government Departments would look after the small hundreds like this, the thousands and even millions would take care of themselves?
§ Mr. GodberYes, I appreciate the last point. We always keep that before us. In this case, there are special difficulties, and I am advised that the scientific work might be imperilled if some provision were not made at these stations.