Mr. MAC PH ERSON(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the attention of his Department has been 122 called to the widespread distress in the northern and western Highlands owing to the failure of the crops; what action, if any, has been taken by him to meet this distress; and what further action he proposes to take.
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. F. C. Thomson)The situation in the Highlands and Islands has been closely watched by my Noble Friend the Secretary for Scotland, who regrets that there is a considerable amount of distress to he met this winter, owing to the cause mentioned by the right hon. Member. In some districts the needs of the situation are being relieved by works undertaken by the local authorities and others with assistance from public funds. The Scottish Board of Health have had numerous conferences with parish councils as to the necessity for putting into operation the powers conferred by the Emergency Provisions Act, 192], and this course is being adopted by parish councils in certain instances. The question of further action on the part of the Government is being considered.