§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will give an assurance that whenever possible he will appoint Welsh-speaking Ministry officers for work in areas of Wales where a substantial proportion of the population is Welsh-speaking.
§ Mr. John MackieThe first requirement for all staff is an ability to do the job; but I can assure you that wherever there is a post for which a knowledge of Welsh is desirable, we do our best to fill it by a Welsh-speaking officer.
§ Mr. Elystan Morganasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many field officers employed by the National Agricultural Advisory Service in Wales are Welsh-speaking.
§ Mr. John MackieOut of a total of 151 Advisers whose duties bring them into direct contact with farmers, 73 are Welsh-speaking. As far as possible Welsh-speaking officers are used in the predominantly Welsh-speaking areas.
326Wconditions for the two most recent years only. The most recent estimates, for the years 1961–62 to 1966–67 (forecast) are as follows: