§ 1. Mr. Boydenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in view of the extra duties being placed on officers of the National Agricultural Advisory Service, he will increase the establishment of this service, and, in particular, the establishment in County Durham.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. J. B. Godber)The prospects of increasing the strength of the National Agricultural Advisory Service depend on whether we can find enough recruits of the right calibre. My right hon. Friend has arranged for special publicity to be given to this year's annual competition. If this produces more recruits of the quality we need, Durham is one of the counties where we have it in mind to appoint an additional district advisory officer.