§ Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSONasked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury if he is now in a position to announce the sums of money to be allocated from the Development Fund to the harbours of Morayshire and Nairnshire; and, if not, whether he will take steps to expedite the matter, seeing that several of these harbours are not large enough to contain the fleets of steam liners and boats belonging to them?
§ Mr. MASTERMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the negative. I understand that the Development Commissioners have under consideration several applications for advances for harbour works in the Findhorn District of the Moray Firth, and will report on them as soon as possible. Some of the applying harbour authorities have asked to be heard orally by the Commissioners before any decision is taken, and the Commissioners hope to make arrangements to comply with this request.
§ Captain WARINGasked the Secretary to the Treasury the sums of money to be allocated from the Development Fund to the eleven harbours in Banffshire; and, if not, whether, in view of the fact that almost 50 per cent. of the herring fishing industry of Scotland is concentrated on the Banffshire coast and the industry greatly hampered by want of harbour accommodation, he can give an assurance that there will be no undue delay in arriving at the decision?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI hope to be able to announce the decision on this matter very shortly.
§ Captain WARINGMay I ask whether the announcement in respect of these harbours will be made simultaneously, the announcement having already been made in respect of one?
§ Mr. MASTERMANI cannot tell that; it is largely a matter for the Development Commissioners.
Mr. CATHCART WASONDoes that include other harbours which are much more important than the harbours of Banffshire?
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYMight I ask about the harbours in Fife?