§ 16. Lieut. - General Sir AYLMER HUNTER-WESTONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the difficulty of obtaining lime for agricultural purposes at an economic price in the south-west of Scotland, he will consider the advisability of encouraging the quarrying of lime, which is obtainable in large quantities in the Island of Arran, in a position near the sea, whence it can be cheaply shipped to all parts of the south-west of Scotland and the northwest of England?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir John. Gilmour)I appreciate that a considerable acreage of land in Scotland is in need of lime, and I have reason to suppose that there is a. growing recognition among farmers of the fact that the departure from the former practice of regular liming was a mistake. I have been furnished with some particulars regarding the deposit of limestone in Arran referred to in the question. I cannot in present circumstances hold .out a prospect that the Board of Agriculture will have funds available. for financial assistance to such enterprises, but I should welcome any developments which have the effect of increasing the supplies of lime for agricultural purposes, and I should be glad to give them such encouragement as is in my power.
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONCould not this matter come under the agricultural survey?
§ Major MacANDREWDoes the answer of the right hon. Gentleman mean that no money is likely to be given for liming?
§ Sir J. GILMOURI cannot make any definite promise on the subject. In regard to the survey, we are getting some information.
§ Mr. HARDIEWhile the survey will take years, is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that there are quarries in the agricultural areas where they are working limestone, and that heaps of it are lying about, and will he get information from the agricultural areas as to these quarries?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIf the survey is to be of practical use, it must be a scientific survey.