§ 35. Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether it is proposed to make any financial provision for land 1833 drainage in Scotland during the year 1926–27 under the Government schemes for unemployment relief; and, if so, how much money will be available for this purpose?
§ Sir J. GILMOURA sum of £11,500 has been provided in the Estimates to meet claims for work done up to the 29th May, 1926, under the 1925–26 scheme for the relief of unemployment, which will mature for payment during the current financial year. As the hon. and gallant Member is aware, a scheme for the assistance of agricultural drainage in Scotland has recently been introduced as part of the Government's Agricultural policy. The financial provision for this scheme during 1926–27 is £20,625.
§ Sir A. SINCLAIRIs it not the case that the only provision which is being made is under the drainage scheme, and is only half the provision made in recent years under the unemployment relief schemes, although the Government's own conference reported last year that drainage was the most important work that could be done in the interests of agriculture in Scotland?
§ Sir J. GILMOURWe are getting our reasonable proportion of what is being expended.