§ Brigadier Raynerasked the Minister of Agriculture what progress has been made in recruiting staff for the National Agricultural Advisory Service; what is the total strength aimed at, and what qualifications are required of new recruits.
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§ Mr. T. WilliamsOn 1st November, 1947, the staff of the National Agricultural Advisory Service numbered 1,169, and 192 additional candidates are being offered appointment. The total strength aimed at over the next few years is about 1,800. New recruits are, in general, required to possess a university degree or similar qualification in agriculture, dairying or horticulture, or a degree in the appropriate natural sciences or its equivalent; but applications are entertained from candidates with other qualifications, or, exceptionally, without academic qualifications, provided that they have sufficient experience in practical farming or horticulture and experience in advisory work. In subjects for which there are no degree courses, preference is given to candidates with the best available professional qualifications.