§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate if he will state what amount of local subscription in aid of the improvement of Portmahomack Harbour would be considered by the Secretary for Scotland as sufficient to warrant him in approaching the Treasury for a special grant in aid of the work.
§ * MR. A. GRAHAM MURRAYSince the 12th May the hon. Member has given notice of four questions with reference to the grant of Government money for the improvement of the fishing harbour of Portmahomack, in the Dornoch Firth. The estimated cost of these improvements is £4,500, a sum above the limit of grants under the West Highlands and Islands Works Act. The parish is not a congested one, so the harbour cannot be aided from the funds at the disposal of the Congested Districts Board. A Standing Committee has recently been appointed to inquire into applications from local authorities for Government assistance in constructing harbours. The Treasury have ruled that cases should only be referred to this Committee—first, where the local authority will undertake and be in a position to ensure the permanent maintenance of the harbour; and, secondly, where two-thirds of the whole cost is provided from local or outside sources. When the Secretary for Scotland is satisfied that these two conditions are complied with in the case of Portmahomack Harbour, he will be happy to refer it to the Committee.