§ Mr. COWANasked the Lord Advocate whether the Government is prepared to consider the advisability of lending money to Scottish fishermen at a low rate of interest and on reasonable conditions as to repayment, to assist them in the purchase of steam fishing vessels or motor boats, with a view to enabling them to adapt the national industry in which they are engaged to modern competitive conditions?
§ The LORD ADVOCATE (Mr. Ure)Private enterprise has hitherto been very successful, according to my information, in meeting the necessities occasioned by the transition from sail to mechanical power, and there seems no strong case for the intervention of the Government.
§ Mr. COWANDoes the right hon. Gentleman suggest that private enterprise is sufficient in Scotland while Government assistance is given freely in Ireland?
§ Mr. COWANIs the proposal not clearly within the scope of the Development Act, and will the right hon. Gentleman agree to receive a deputation on the subject?