HC Deb 03 March 1904 vol 131 cc65-6
MR. HARMSWORTH (Caithnessshire)

beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that in consequence of the nature of the harvest last year in Caithness the crofters in the congested districts are without seed corn and cannot lay down crops this year unless seed be provided; and whether, in these circumstances, he will cause inquiry to be made and seed corn provided by the Congested Districts Board.

THE LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. SCOTT DICKSON,) Glasgow, Bridgton

I am aware that the harvest last year was far from good. The Congested Districts Board have offered to supply seed corn, carriage paid, in the congested districts of Caithness at a charge greatly below cost prices. To supply seed on other terms would be to infringe the general policy of the Congested Districts Board, which has been adopted after most careful consideration.