HC Deb 01 May 1923 vol 163 cc1153-4
32. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health what sum of money out of the grants made by Parliament to the Board of Agriculture was distributed by them during the year ending 31st March, 1923, in terms of Section 4 (e) of the Congested Districts (Scotland) Act of 1897, in aiding the fishing industry during the present depression, and in what way it was spent; and what sum of money will be spent with the same object during the year ending 31st March, 1924?

Captain ELLIOT

The total amount of the Board's expenditure and commitments in terms of Section 4 (1) (e) of the Act of 1897 during the year ended the 31st March, 1923, was £4,252, most of which was in respect of loans for the erection of fishermen's dwellings. It is not possible at the present time to state what will be the amount of the corresponding expenditure and commitments during the year ending the 31st March, 1924.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Would it not be possible to make some payment out of this fund in order to help fishermen to replace their lost and damaged gear?

Captain ELLIOT

The position in regard to security is very different in the case of a loan upon a building, and in the case of a loan upon nets and gear, and there is a very difficult legal position.