HC Deb 04 February 1930 vol 234 cc1660-1
12. Major WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will issue a full explanation of the fishermen's net-replacement scheme, setting forth the principle upon which grants will be made and the conditions upon which loans will be given; whether there is any time limit within which applications have to be made; and when he will be in a position to announce his scheme to assist fishermen who lost their nets before or after 11th November last?

Mr. W. ADAMSON

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the reply given on 23rd ultimo to the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Millar) regarding the arrangements for the administration of the Lord Provosts' Relief Fund and the principle of distribution of the fund, and to the replies given to questions on 21st ultimo on the subject of credit facilities for the purchase of fishing gear. The conditions on which loans will be given from the funds to be placed at the disposal of the Fishery Board for Scotland have now been adjusted and will be intimated at an early date. The final dates for the receipt of applications for grants from the Relief Fund or for loans will be published in due course.

Major WOOD

I am asking for this information precisely because they have no idea of the terms on which these loans are granted. Can the right hon. Gentleman say, for instance, whether they have to have any ready money, or are they to get all they require by way of loan?

Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there is very much need to have a fuller statement issued publicly by the Committee in charge of the administration of this fund, to enable fishermen to understand the conditions under which applications can be made, and to enable the local committees to understand the duties that are thrown upon them?

Mr. ADAMSON

I have already made a reply giving a full explanation of the fund, and I have, in my reply to the hon. and gallant Gentleman the Member for Banff (Major Wood) told him that forms, and the conditions under which loans will be given, will be published at an early date.

Major WOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman answer the specific point—have the fishermen to provide 50 per cent. of the money in this scheme, as they did in the last scheme?

Mr. ADAMSON

I have already informed the hon. and gallant Member that the conditions are being issued shortly, and will be in the hands of the fishermen.

Major WOOD rose

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Mr. SPEAKER

This is becoming a debate.