§ 42. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will state what reduction of Scottish harbour dues will be made in the approaching herring-fishing season as a result of the Budget proposals?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe proposed contribution by the Fishery Board for Scotland towards the cost of reductions of fishery harbour dues will require a vote of money to the Fishery Board in the new Parliament. It is proposed to present an estimate for the purpose as soon as possible in the new Parliament but it is obviously impossible at present to give the precise date at which Parliament will vote the money necessary for putting the proposals into operation.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRBut cannot the right hon. Gentleman say by how much the dues will be reduced?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir, the amounts and actual terms will have to be evolved after very careful inquiry by the Fishery Board.
§ Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALDWill it not be necessary for election purposes to say exactly what is going to be given?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIf we understand correctly that the dues are to be reduced—
§ Sir J. GILMOURindicated assent.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENIn that case, does the right hon. Gentleman think that this procedure will be as unpopular in Caithness as it is said to be in Hull?
§ Mr. SHINWELLAre we to understand from the original answer that in the preparation of the Budget Estimates no allowance was made for the actual amount to be allocated for this purpose, and that this is a mere promise, and nothing more?
§ Sir J. GILMOUROh, no, Sir; but, of course, the actual details of where these grants will be made and the amount of them require investigation into actual circumstances.
Mr. THOMASDo we understand that there is no definite arrangement between the Member for East Aberdeen (Mr. Boothby) and the Chancellor of the Exchequer as to what is to happen in this case?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs the position this, that you are afraid to tell Scotland what you propose to do?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENAm I not right in anticipating—