§ 5. Mr. DICKSONasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has received any report of exceptional distress in the Highlands and Islands owing to failure of crops; whether there is any available balance to meet such distress in any fund at his disposal; and, if not, what steps, if any, he proposes to take in the matter?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. Johnston)I have received representations that in certain districts in the Western Islands hardship exists as a result of the failure of the summer fishing, but I have no evidence that there is any exceptional distress necessitating special measures in the area. As regards the second part of the question, there is no fund at my disposal for the purpose mentioned, but I am informed that the Trustees of the Highlands and Islands Distress Relief Fund (1924) hold a balance which, subject to the terms of a scheme of administration authorised by the Court of Session, may be applied in the relief of distress in the Highlands and Islands. I am also informed that the Trustees would be prepared to co-operate in any necessary steps to meet a situation of distress in the area. The Clerk of the Trustees is Mr. Archibald Campbell, Junior, W.S., 18, Duke Street, Edinburgh.