§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate, having regard to the need of telegraph extensions in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and to the fact that the Fishery Board for Scotland are empowered to spend in telegraph guarantees a sum not exceeding £1,500 yearly out of the Herring Brand surplus, will he state why the Fishery Board, instead of spending this amount, have only expended for this purpose £925. 7s. 3d. in 1894, £966. 10s. 11d. in 1895, and £290. 17s. 1d. in 1896?
§ *THE LORD ADVOCATEI am informed by the Fishery Board that they have not recommended that telegraphic extensions should be guaranteed from the surplus brand fees, as they have always contended in their Reports and otherwise that such extension when in the public interests should be carried out 1426 without guarantee. This contention is strengthened by consideration of the limited funds at the disposal of the Board for Harbours which are partly derived from these fees and of the fact that provision has of recent years been made for this service in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland (Public Works and Communications) Vote.