HC Deb 17 March 1908 vol 186 cc394-5
MR. CATHCART WASON (Orkney and Shetland)

To ask the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware of the fact that, owing to the inclement harvest, seed corn in some places in Shetland is practically unobtainable; and if he will state on what terms the Congested Districts Board can assist.

MR. J. DEWAR (Inverness)

To ask the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware that, owing to the inclement season experienced in the Highlands of Scotland last year, the grain in those districts was seriously damaged, and there is difficulty in procuring reliable seed; and will he, under these circumstances, confer with the Congested Districts Board as to the possibility of helping to procure sound and satisfactory seed.

(Answered by Mr. Sinclair.) I am aware of the regrettable facts stated by my hon. friends. As the Congested Districts Board is not a relief body they have no power to expend their funds in providing seed, and they have, therefore, reluctantly refused applications for that purpose. For their special statutory purpose of the improvement of agriculture they have on occasions provided seed corn and seed potatoes, but in such cases payment of the price is required when the request is granted.