§ Sir R. Glynasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps are being taken to encourage farm institutes being set up on modern lines as part of the county council's responsibility for agricultural development; and whether encouragement will be given to central farm institutes under the joint authority of two or more county councils grouped together in order to erect more appropriate buildings and to pay higher salaries to the staff at less cost to the rates of individual counties by sharing overhead expenses, loan charges, &c.
Mr. HudsonFor the Government's policy regarding the establishment of farm institutes I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the statement which I made in the House on 20th January last. The practical steps which can be taken to implement that policy are at present limited by other claims on the resources of the building industry and on the services of technical staff qualified to give instruction at farm institutes. I hope, however, that county councils will do all that is possible in present circumstances by way of planning and preparatory work, and I shall give sympathetic consideration to any suitable proposals, including, where appropriate, proposals for joint action on the part of two or more county councils.