HC Deb 24 June 1924 vol 175 cc221-2
14. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he has under consideration any plan to enable poor fishermen to obtain the 50 per cent. of the purchase price of the gear which is necessary before they can take advantage of the Government scheme?

Mr. ADAMSON

I do not anticipate any modification of the terms of the scheme being made, but I would point out that under those terms a considerable proportion of the fishermen will be entitled to loans of 75 per cent. of the price of the nets.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Would it not be possible for the right hon. Gentleman to come to some arrangement with the industry which manufactures the nets, whereby some credit could be given to these men?

Mr. DUNCAN MILLAR

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that, unless arrangements are made to provide for the case of the men who cannot put down cash, the scheme will certainly fail to meet the case of the needy men?

Mr. ADAMSON

In order to meet the case of the needy men, 75 per cent. of the total cost is being provided in such cases as those to which the two hon. Members have alluded.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In order to come under the scheme, must the applicant live north of the Tweed? Is it confined to Scotland?

Mr. ADAMSON

I think the hon. and gallant Member knows very well that it is confined to Scotland.

22. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary for Scotland what steps he is proposing to take to prevent a rise in the prise of fishing gear as a result of the purchase of gear under the Government's scheme?

Mr. ADAMSON

I made a statement in the Debate on the 28th May, with a view to making it plain that the Government expected the net makers to refrain from any action which would lead to unreasonable prices being charged as a result of the assistance to be rendered by the Government. This question has been, and is being, carefully watched by the Fishery Board, and they have reason to believe that nets will be available at a reasonable price, not in excess of the rate which was current when the adoption of the scheme was announced.

Major COLFOX

Does the right hon. Gentleman think that he, like his right hon. Friend, is able to stop the operation of the law of supply and demand?