Mr. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that, owing to the reduced scale of grants in operation since October, 1931, the development of agricultural education in 1275W a number of counties has been retarded; and whether, in view of the growing need for agricultural education, he will take the necessary steps to restore the scale of grants that was in operation up to the financial crisis of 1931?
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware that, subsequent to October, 1931, when the rates of grant for agricultural education work were reduced, there was some decrease in the expenditure of local authorities generally on such work; I am glad to say, however, that in the present year, the total expenditure by local authorities on agricultural education to be grant-aided by my Department will be in excess of that in the year before the reduction was made. I am not prepared to consider any alteration in the rate of grant at the present time.