HC Deb 22 May 1912 vol 38 cc2040-1W
Mr. AGAR-ROBARTES

asked the Secretary to the Treasury how much money has been granted by the Development Commissioners for the construction and improvement of harbours; if he will give a separate Return of the figures for England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales; and a separate Return of the money granted for the benefit of the fishing industry in those countries?

Mr. MASTERMAN

The Treasury, on the recommendation of the Development Commissioners, have agreed, subject to conditions, to make grants or loans to the following amounts for the construction and improvement of harbours:—

Scotland £63,275
Ireland £39,000

In all cases the harbour in question is a fishery harbour. In addition, advances of £6,440 in England and Wales, and £7,750 in Ireland, have been sanctioned for the benefit of the fishing industry. Further advances, both for harbours and for fisheries, are under consideration, and will probably be settled very shortly.

The attached Schedule gives the details of the applications actually received by the Development Commissioners. The purposes of these applications, so far as they concern agricultural education and research, will be sufficiently met by comprehensive schemes framed by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to meet the needs of England and Wales as a whole. For these schemes considerable grants have already been made to the Board, and further grants have been promised for distribution in accordance with the conditions of the schemes to colleges and local education authorities. Agricultural co-operation will be encouraged by means of a direct grant to the Agricultural Organisation Society when reconstructed on a broader basis. Arrangements for this reconstruction are far advanced, and meanwhile the society's needs have been met by an interim grant. The Commissioners have felt it necessary to defer consideration of local applications for grants in aid of livestock breeding pending the receipt of a comprehensive scheme which is about to be submitted by the Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries. The Commissioners have under consideration the proposals for the development of forestry, the improvement of fisheries, and the cultivation of osiers:—

APPLICATIONS RECEIVED BY THE DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONERS.
Applicant. In Aid of Amount Required.
University College of North Wales, Bangor The development of the work of the Agricultural Department of the College £6,625 per annum.
The Forestry Department of the College Total sum not stated.
University College of Wales, Aberystwyth County work, in-college work and research work in the Agricultural Department of the College Total sum not stated.
An experiment in sheep-breeding £200 capital and £200 maintenance.
Sea fisheries Total sum not stated.
University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire An experimental station, an information bureau, and the establishment of a centre for higher agricultural education Capital sum £500; annual grant £2,000.
Anglesey County Council The improvement of agriculture and agricultural live stock £2,350.
Breconshire County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £1,115.
Experiments in osier growing £500.
Cardigan County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £5,210 or substantial part thereof.
Carmarthenshire County Council Afforestation, agricultural instruction, cooperation, and improvement of live stock £14,000.
Experiments in osier growing £500 per annum for two years.
Carnarvonshire County Council Establishment, equipment and maintenance of a Farm School at Madryn Castle, and for the promotion of agricultural education and co-operation with the development of rural industries Capital sum £9,000; annual grant £2,000.
Agricultural instruction and improvement of live stock £6,490.
Forestry on the Madryn Estate £2,830.
Denbigh County Council (1) Live stock breeding; (2) Forestry £3,210.
Glamorganshire County Council Agricultural instruction, organisation of co-operation, etc. £2,000 per annum and loan £1,500.
Merioneth County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £830.
Montgomery County Council Agricultural education and the improvement of live stock Total sum doubtful.
Monmouthshire County Council The organisation of co-operation and the extension of the provision of small holdings £1,200 per annum.
Radnorshire County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £3,050.
In addition the following applications have been received by the Treasury and transmitted to the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries:
Pembrokeshire County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £1,500.
Anglesey County Council The improvement of agricultural live stock £2,350.