§ 69. Mr. Hurdasked the Minister of Agriculture how many places at agricultural colleges and farm institutes will be available by next October; what percentage of the places are being reserved for ex-Servicemen; and how many entries from all sources have been refused.
§ Mr. CollickIt is estimated that just under 500 places will be available at agricultural colleges next session and about 1,200 at farm institutes and other centres of that type. Preference is being given at agricultural colleges to suitably qualified applicants who have served in the Armed80W Forces, but agricultural colleges, like universities, may apply where necessary for up to 10 per cent, of the available places to be reserved for students recommended for deferment by joint recruiting boards. At the farm institute level, approximately 50 per cent, of the total number of places come within the special arrangements made for the institutional training of ex-Service personnel under the Government's agricultural training scheme Places have been obtained by all applicants approved under the further education and training scheme for courses in agricultural colleges next session, and are available for all those selected for institutional training at the farm institute level under the Government's vocational training scheme. I have no direct information as to the number of unsuccessful applications for admission to agricultural colleges and farm institutes from students not eligible for awards under these schemes.