Mr. DUNCANasked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Aberystwyth District Agricultural Committee recently invited applications for the post of executive officer at a salary of £125 per annum and travelling expenses; that amongst the applicants were three discharged soldiers who were experienced in agriculture, one of whom holds a gold medal for ploughing; and that eventually the post was given to a farmer and dairyman who already held the position of machinery officer under the same committee; whether he will urge upon agricultural committees the advisability of appointing discharged soldiers whenever possible; and whether he will make representations to the Aberystwyth Committee with regard to this particular appointment?
§ Mr. PROTHEROI am inquiring into the facts of this case, and will let my hon.1130W Friend know the result as soon as possible. If it should be desirable to take any steps in the direction indicated in the last parts of the question, that shall be done.