§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Lord Advocate, in view of the statement made by the President of the Board of Trade in regard to Treasury assistance for harbour accommodation around the coasts of the United Kingdom, will he state on what ground the Secretary for Scotland declines to approach the Treasury for a grant in aid of the improvement of Portmahomack Harbour; and is he aware that the County Council of the County of Ross and Cromarty is strongly in favour of this improvement being effected.
§ * MR. A. GRAHAM MURRAYIt is true that the County Council have recently recommended a grant of public funds towards the improvement of Portmahomack Harbour. The Secretary for Scotland, however, is not satisfied that the case is so urgent as to warrant his submitting it to the Treasury as a fitting subject for a special grant, especially as he has not yet heard that any local contributions are forthcoming. I am to add that within the last few years Government has spent £9,271 in the improvement of four fishing piers and harbours within 11 miles of Portmahomack.