§ MR. ANGUS SUTHERLAND (Sutherland)asked the Lord Advocate whether the conditions on which loans were made to fishermen under the Crofters Holdings (Scotland) Act had recently been changed, so that instead of nine-tenths of the price of fishing boats being advanced as formerly seven-tenths only are now advanced; and, if so, whether it was intended to revert to the former condition of nine-tenths; and, whether applications for loans made as long ago as October of last year are still not disposed of, thus causing much inconvenience to applicants?
§ *THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. J. P. B. ROBERTSON,) ButeSome delay has taken place in dealing with these applications. The Fishery Board suggested there should be a modification of the existing rule as to the proportion of amount advanced. The proposal was that seven-tenths instead of nine-tenths should be the maximum. But the Secretary for Scotland has now decided that no such alteration shall be made, and the Board will now proceed to dispose of the applications, exercising their discretion under the existing rule. It is hoped that no further delay will occur.