§ Mr. Morrisasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that there are sufficient National Agricultural Advisory Service officers in England and Wales to perform their functions adequately; and to what extent general advisory work and specialist work is suffering as a result of shortages.
§ Mr. GodberIn accordance with the policy laid down in the White Paper "Assistance for Small Farmers" (Cmnd. 553), the National Agricultural Advisory Service is giving priority to requests for advice under the Small Farmers Scheme. Whilst in certain areas this may have meant a little delay in dealing with the less urgent requests of other farmers and a curtailment of the experimental programme, my right hon. Friend is satisfied that the work of the Service as a whole, including that of the specialist branches, has not suffered significantly because of shortage of staff. If enough recruits of the right calibre come forward, the N.A.A.S. will be strengthened as a result of the current competition.