University Teaching in Agriculture and Horticulture

Abstract

In reply to a question asked in the House of Commons, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. T. Williams, stated that the universities of Britain are sympathetic, in principle with the proposals of the Committee on Higher Agricultural Education for raising the standard of degree courses in griculture and horticulture, and have carefully noted the detailed suggestions in the report relating to the form and content of the courses. The Committee's comprehensive plan for the development and allocation of graduate courses is generally acceptable to the universities, some of which are hoping to introduce courses on the lines suggested this year or next. The main administrative recommendation of the Committee was that responsibility for grants in aid of higher agricultural and horticultural education at universities should be transferred from the Ministry of Agriculture to the University Grants Committee as from the beginning of the academic year 1947-48, on the understanding that the University Grants Committee would set up a specialist sub-committee to provide it with the necessary technical advice. Mr. Williams said that after consultation with the universities and with the Treasury he has accepted this recommendation, though he will naturally retain a close interest in the development of university teaching in agriculture and horticulture.