§ Mr. ROYDSasked the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) whether, in view of the revised arrangements between the Board of Agriculture and the Board of Education with regard to agricultural education, a Memorandum will be issued for the use of education authorities, clearly showing what grants can be earned in respect of agricultural education from the Boards of Agriculture and Education, 348W respectively; and (2) whether an application for an advance from the Development Fund in aid of farm institutes has yet been made by the Board of Agriculture; if so, what sum has been applied for and with what result; whether it is intended to issue an explanatory Memorandum in regard to farm institutes and detailed regulations under which grants can be distributed; and, if so, when these papers will be ready?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe Development Commissioners are prepared to recommend the grant of a sum not exceeding £325,000 for the period ending the 31st March, 1916, for the provision and maintenance of Farm Institutes, including the instruction and educational facilities provided by county councils thereat, or in connection therewith. The terms and conditions on which grants to county councils will be made are now under consideration, and negotiations are proceeding between the Board, the Development Commission, the Treasury, and the Board of Education. I will take the earliest opportunity in my power of affording full information as to the grants which will in future be available from all sources for technical agricultural instruction.