Agricultural Training Board (Hansard, 17 January 1980)

§ 3. Mr. Myles
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when next he will meet the chairman of the Agricultural Training Board.

§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Peter Walker)
I had a meeting with the retiring chairman last month. I and my noble Friend the Minister of State met the incoming chairman this morning.

§ Mr. Myles
When my right hon. Friend meets the chairman of the Agricultural Training Board, will he ensure that his Ministry urges the board to concentrate on practical training, with the minimum of administrators?

§ Mr. Walker
Yes.

§ Mr. John Home Robertson
When the Minister next meets the chairman of the board, will he discuss the career structure in agriculture, particularly in view of the recommendations of the Northfield committee? What steps does he intend to take to make it possible for more new entrants to come into the industry, with 1848 the prospects of becoming either managers or tenants of farms?

§ Mr. Walker
This is a very important subject. I do not think that it is necessarily a subject for the chairman of the Agricultural Training Board. We are considering the suggestions made by the Northfield committee. We are talking to the various parties concerned. Like the hon. Gentleman, I think that it is important to find ways of encouraging able young people to make a good career in this industry.