§ MR. CLAUDE HAYI beg to ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he 348 has had under his consideration for a year or more the provision of a fishery cruiser for Scotland, and what provision has been made in this year's Estimates for providing such a fishery cruiser; whether any plans have been prepared for the building of such a ship; and, if not, what steps he proposes to take to-expedite matters.
§ THE SECRETARY FOR SCOTLAND (Mr. SINCLAIR,) ForfarshireThe hon. Gentleman seems to be under some misapprehension upon this subject. The expenses will be met out of the funds accumulating in the Board's Marine Deposit Account, and the funds available were not such as to justify the Fishery Board taking up the matter until 1st April last. Plans have now been prepared for the building of a cruiser, and tenders have been invited.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYCan the right hon. Gentleman say when the cruiser will be completed?
§ MR. SINCLAIRNo, Sir.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYHas the right hon. Gentleman no idea?
§ MR. SINCLAIRNo, Sir.
§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)Where is the cruiser being built?
§ MR. SINCLAIRThat is not yet determined.
§ MR. CLAUDE HAYHow many cruisers are there at the disposal of the Fishery Board?
§ MR. SINCLAIRSpeaking from recollection, I think four. They are provided from Scottish funds.