asked the Minister for Agriculture if he will state whether an opportunity was recently afforded to an expert employed by a British commercial firm to lecture a body of county agricultural instructors assembled at the order of his Department; and, if so, whether he has satisfied himself that the practice of allowing experts employed by commercial concerns to address members of the agricultural advisory service secures the necessary impartiality in the advice given to farmers; and whether, in view of the numerous research stations that exist in other countries staffed by men with qualifications and experience at least as satisfactory as those possessed by experts employed by commercial manufacturing and selling organisations, he will state what special considerations influenced the decision to invite this expert to deliver the lecture in question.
Ceisteanna — Questions. Oral Answers. - Lectures for Agricultural Instructors.
A distinguished research worker was invited to deliver a lecture to a conference of agricultural instructors on the subject of the interpretation of the results of laboratory examination of soil samples. No commercial considerations were involved. The lecturer's views were entirely objective and in accordance with his standing as an acknowledged authority on the subject and a scientist of international repute.
Will the Minister say whether the lecturer was paid a fee?
I could not answer that. I think he was paid his expenses at least.
Will the Minister say if it is his intention to hand over the technical direction of his Department to a commercial firm, or if he is relinquishing his office to Lord Magowan?
There is no such intention.