§ Mr. WILLIAM NICHOLSONasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Agricultural Costings Committee recently set up by the Board of Agriculture will report to the Minister of Food; whether it has been arranged that the Minister of Food shall answer in Parliament; why the Board of Agriculture has delegated its duties to the Minister of Food; and why the Board of Agriculture does not look after the interests of agriculture for which it was originally set up?
Sir A. BOSCAWENThe Agricultural Costings Committee was set up jointly by the three Departments of Agriculture and the Ministry of Food, and will report to each of the four Ministers concerned. For administrative convenience it has been arranged that the Food Controller will at present answer in Parliament for the Committee, but the Board of Agriculture have in no sense delegated their duty or responsibility. The Committee has executive powers, and will arrange its own proceedings.