§ MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN (Birmingham, W.)I beg to ask the First Lord of the Treasury whether the Government have received any Report from the Secretary for Scotland concerning his recent inquiries into the condition and needs of the population on the Western Coast and Islands of Scotland; and whether he is now prepared to state the intentions of the Government in reference to the provision of piers and harbours and of railway or other communication calculated to benefit the fishing industry in these districts?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHThe Government have received a Report from the Secretary for Scotland with regard to the subject in question, and they will give that Report their most careful consideration during the Recess. They hope to be able to bring in a Bill next 1486 Session dealing with the subject on the same lines as those of the Piers and Harbours Bill dealing with Ireland.
§ MR. E. ROBERTSON (Dundee)Will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Scotch Members on the subject before they make any proposal to the House?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHI think the hon. and learned Member will see that any proposal which is made must be made on the authority and responsibility of the Government. The Scotch Members will be afforded a full opportunity of expressing their opinion.
§ MR. BUCHANAN (Edinburgh, W.)Will the Report be laid on the Table and circulated among the Members of the House?
§ * MR. W. H. SMITHNo, Sir; it is a confidential Report.