§ 81. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the application of the two parties to the recent inquiry regarding the ring-net-drift-net controversy in the Firth of Forth for a grant towards the cost of legal expenses incurred?
§ 82. Captain McEWENasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet arrived at a decision in the matter of the expenses incurred by certain fishermen in connection with the Maconnachie inquiry into seine-net fishing in the Firth of Forth?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have carefully considered the suggestion that grants should be made by the Government towards the expenses referred to, but regret that I am unable to adopt the suggestion. As 1555 the reasons for this decision are somewhat lengthy I am writing to my hon. Friends on the subject.
Mr. STEWARTWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this was a rather special inquiry called for the direct benefit of the Government?
§ Mr. MAXTONWhat about the Greenock inquiry?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir, the inquiry was called in order to elicit the facts in the interests of all concerned. I have no power to find the money for the expenses concerned, but I will write a letter to my hon. Friends on the subject.