§ Mr. William Rossasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many members of the staff of the Department of Agriculture attended the international exhibition organised by the Institute of Groundsmanship at the Royal Windsor racecourse, Windsor, on 21 to 23 September; which grades of staff attended; what was the total cost to public funds; and what was the purpose of their attendance.
§ Mr. Adam ButlerThe Department of Agriculture was represented by an inspector, grade II, at an additional cost to public funds of £163.79—travel and subsistence only. This officer was recently appointed amenity development officer in the Department's horticulture section. Attendance at the exhibition enabled the officer concerned to increase his knowledge of ground maintenance equipment and recent developments in amenity horticulture, and subsequently disseminate this to others in the Department.