59. Mr. SHIRLEY BENNasked how many applications for loans have been received by the Development Commissioners from the fishermen in Devon and Cornwall; how many loans have been granted; and what are the terms of such loans as regards security required, conditions of repayment, and the position of the fishermen in the case of arrears?
§ Mr. MONTAGUApplications for Grants of £10,000 each from the Development Fund were made by the Devon and Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committees. No advances from the Development Fund have been made or are contemplated at present to fishermen in Devon and Cornwall generally, but an advance of £4,000 to the Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee has been sanctioned to assist fishermen at the Mount's Bay ports and St. Ives to install mechanical power in their fishing vessels. The terms of this advance provide that the money lent to fishermen should bear interest at not less than 3 per cent, per annum. Applications by the fishermen for loans from this advance are not made to the Development Commission, but to a local committee who administer the scheme on behalf of the Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee. The details of the terms on which loans are made are settled by that committee. I understand that the committee have not as yet made any loans.
§ Mr. ROBERT HARCOURTMay I ask whether that means in general terms that the Development Commissioners are prepared to entertain such applications from other parts of the country?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe practice of the Development Commissioners is to consider recommendations when they come forward from the Treasury.
§ Mr. R. HARCOURTIs not the principle settled by that particular Grant?
§ Mr. MONTAGUThe desirability of making this particular Grant is a question for the Development Commissioners.
Mr. SHIRLEY BENNCan the bon. Gentleman state the terms on which the 1946 £4,000 will be loaned, the security given, and the position of the fishermen in case they fail to repay the money?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI think if the hon. Gentleman reads the answer he will see that I have given that information.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYWill this be extended to Scotland?
§ Mr. MONTAGUI would recommend the hon. and gallant Gentleman to apply to the Development Commissioners in the first instance.