29. Dr. MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the extensive unemployment in the islands of Lewis and Harris due to the failure of the herring industry, and the widespread distress resulting therefrom, he will cause the Board of Agriculture to resume construction of the roads that have already been commenced by them in these areas and recently dropped?
§ Mr. MORISONIn view of the present state of the funds of the Board of Agriculture and the extent and importance of other claims upon these funds, my 1673 right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable at present to authorise further expenditure by the Board on the South Loch Erisort and Bays of Harris roads. The Board have communicated the position of these roads to the Unemployment Grants Committee with a view to assistance being provided by the Committee for work on these and other roads.
Dr. MURRAYIs my right hon. Friend aware that these roads are only partly finished, that a lot of money has been spent on them, and that they are now of no earthly use; and will he see that the work is proceeded with, in view of the great amount of unemployment?
§ Mr. MORISONI have already told my hon. Friend that all those considerations have been borne in mind in coming to our decision.
Dr. MURRAYCan the right hon. Gentleman not apply to the Colonial Office for a portion of the money they are spending upon roads in Mesopotamia?