§ Sir W. Jenkinsasked the Minister of Agriculture what number of vocational training centres for agriculture there is in England, Scotland and Wales, giving each country separately; what number attending such centres; ages of trainees; length of training; and whether any facilities are specially offered to men from distressed areas over 40 years of age?
§ Sir R. Dorman-Smith:I am assuming that the hon. Member refers to centres of agricultural education coming within the purview of the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself.
In England, there are 12 Agricultural Colleges and University Departments of Agriculture, and 13 Farm Institutes; in Scotland three Agricultural Colleges; and in Wales two University Departments of Agriculture and four Farm Institutes.
The usual minimum age on entry at Colleges and University Departments is about 18 years, and at Farm Institutes 16. I am unable to give any figures of the actual ages of students in training.
The total number of persons taking courses at Colleges and University De- 795W partments in the academic year 1937 –38, was, in England 1,379, in Scotland 642 and in Wales 172. The numbers on the registers of Farm Institutes at 1st November, 1938, were, in England 642 and in Wales 131.
No special facilities are provided at these Institutions for men from the Special Areas.