§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture what contacts are maintained between his Department and the Institute of Agricultural Engineers; and how-many associates of this body are advising on the campaign for growing more food?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe Institution of British Agricultural Engineers has offered its co-operation and assistance to the Ministry of Agriculture and this offer has been discussed with the hon. Secretary of the institution. I understand that the institution has decided to appoint a liaison committee which will be available for consultation if required.
§ Mr. T. Williamsasked the Minister of Agriculture how many liaison officers have been appointed to act between agricultural war executives and his Department; and what other bodies are consulted in connection with the campaign to produce more food apart from the National Farmers' Union and the trade union representatives?
§ Sir W. WomersleyThe number of liaison officers appointed to act between county war agricultural executive committees and the Ministry is at present three. In addition, the secretary of the 1953W Welsh Department of the Ministry is acting as liaison officer with the Welsh county committees, and the Horticultural Commissioner of the Ministry is acting as liaison officer on horticultural matters. The Ministry's Land Commissioners also act as liaison officers between the Ministry and the county committees within their districts. My right hon. Friend is not in regular consultation with any bodies other than the National Farmers' Union and the agricultural workers' organisations on matters arising out of the food production campaign, but he has appointed a number of expert advisory committees to assist him in the consideration of particular problems, and in cases where special interests are concerned my right hon. Friend is in contact, whenever necessary, with the responsible organisations.