HC Deb 16 March 1961 vol 636 cc1737-8
30. Mr. B. Harrison

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what exchanges are proposed between advisory officers of his Department and New Zealand district officers.

Mr. Vane

My hon. Friend will, no doubt, remember that a proposal to exchange advisory officers was discussed with the New Zealand Government when he accompanied my right hon. Friend's predecessor on his visit to New Zealand in 1959. Although agreement in principle on many points was reached last year, it has not been possible to make firm arrangements as yet.

Mr. Harrison

Would my hon. Friend take advantage of the visit to this country of the Prime Minister of New Zealand to press this matter, because it could be of mutual advantage to both countries?

Mr. Vane

We appreciate, and I think that the New Zealand Government appreciate, that it would be of mutual advantage, but a number of practical, financial and personal questions have to be overcome before this could be put into operation.