HC Deb 16 March 1959 vol 602 cc7-8
8. Mr. Willey

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he has taken to increase the numbers of local advisory officers by 25 per cent. in Great Britain in accordance with the recommendation of the Committee on Grassland Utilisation.

Mr. John Hare

The Committee's report is still under consideration, but appointment to district advisory officer posts is already offered to all suitable candidates in the annual competition for entry into the National Agricultural Advisory Service.

Mr. Willey

In view of the fact that this recommendation was made before we got the Small Farmers' Scheme and of the obvious difficulties in recruiting a sufficient number of these officers, will the right hon. Gentleman consider, perhaps, the setting up of a working party within the Department to see what can be done to encourage recruitment?

Mr. Hare

I am not sure that that would be necessary. The hon. Member will, I think, agree that we must maintain our standards. Merely, on a short-term view, to dilute them for the sake of larger numbers would be a mistake. I assure the hon. Member that we are maintaining those standards and that we are coping with the job which is presented to us.

Mr. Willey

Is the right. hon. Gentleman aware that I am not for one moment suggesting dilution, but that these officers complain that they are at a disadvantage compared with scientific officers in other Departments and that this is a matter that should be reviewed? To improve the status of these officers might encourage more people to come into the Department.

Mr. Hare

Naturally, I always listen to what any hon. Member says, but I am not satisfied that a review of the sort for which the hon. Member asks is either necessary or desirable.