68. Major MURRAYasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Scottish Board of Agriculture are retaining the corn subsidy due to smallholders and ex-service men on the ground that excess debts and rents are owed to the Board by such men; and whether he will decline to sanction this proceeding, looking to the fact that the corn subsidy was intended to increase production and cannot be equitably used for these purposes?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)I am aware that in certain cases the amount of the subsidy has, by agreement with the persons concerned, been utilised in reduction of debts due to the Board by them. Where there is no such agreement, payment of the subsidy is being made to persons who are indebted to the Board except in cases where the Board hold decrees of Court against the debtors or otherwise entitled to arrest the subsidy by ordinary process of law. I may add that I am obtaining the opinion of the Law Officers with regard to the rights of the Board in the matter.
§ Major M. WOODAre there many instances of that kind?