HC Deb 12 November 1953 vol 520 cc67-8W
89. Sir J. Crowder

asked the Minister of Agriculture the reason for the estimated increase in the amount required in the year ending 31st March, 1953, for the salaries and expenses of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, from£144,412 in 1952–53, to£155,413 in 1953–54.

Sir T. Dugdale

The cost of salaries at Kew has increased on account of normal salary increments and the appointment of additional industrial and clerical staff necessitated by the general development and expansion of the work. General expenses are higher than in 1952–53 because stocks of materials were run down in that year and have now to be replenished.

90. Sir J. Crowder

asked the Minister of Agriculture the reason for the estimated increase from£733,125 in 1952–53 to£744,525 in 1953–54 in the amount to be spent on smallholdings and allotments, contributions towards losses of local authorities.

Sir T. Dugdale

The increase is due to an increased provision for contributions to local authorities in respect of smallholdings work under the Agriculture Act, 1947. The greater part of this subhead (£708,500 in 1952–53 and£704,500 in 1953–54) covers continuing Exchequer commitments in respect of smallholdings work carried out by local authorities under previous legislation.

91. Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Agriculture the reason for the estimated increase in salaries and travelling expenses for general services, by£517,444 and£60,000, respectively, in 1953–54.

Sir T. Dugdale

The greater part of the estimated increase in salary costs is due to normal salary increments and to the substitution of monthly for quarterly payment of the fees of local veterinary inspectors. Other factors have been the appointment of additional veterinary staff and of additional industrial staff at experimental husbandry farms, together with increased rates of pay for officers in the works group. The increase in travelling expenses is mainly due to a similar change in the method of payment of the expenses of local veterinary inspectors and to the effect of increased mileage rates and subsistence allowances in a full year.