§ 19. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that Mr. Donald Gillies, 473, South Lochboisdale, who was promised a grant of £100 for a house to be completed by 23rd October, 1923, has been proceeded against in the Courts by the Board of Agriculture, because the house was not completed until 12 days later, on the 6th November; and, in view of the fact that the delay was caused by an error by the Board of Agriculture in consigning the necessary cement to the wrong island, will he inquire into the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Major Elliot)The position is not as stated in the question. My right hon. Friend has already communicated to the hon. Member the facts of the case as reported by the Board of Agriculture for Scotland. The Board's report showed that it has been necessary to institute proceedings against Mr. Gillies owing to his failure to pay annuities due in respect of a loan of £230 advanced to him. Mr. Gillies was informed by the Scottish Board of Health that he would be paid a subsidy for his house on conditions which he failed to implement; and the Board of Agriculture were in no way responsible for his failure to complete the erection of the house in time to qualify for this subsidy.
§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEWill the hon. and gallant Member make further inquiries into this case, because, if my information is right, his is quite wrong?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Secretary of State has already communicated his view of the matter in writing to the hon. Member, and, if the hon. Member has any wish to controvert any statements, he has merely to reply to that letter.
§ Mr. STEPHENIs the statement correct that the delay simply amounted to 12 days?
§ Major ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot go into the matter at this point. The position is certainly not as stated in the question.