HC Deb 17 December 1935 vol 307 cc1554-5
81. Mr. HENDERSON STEWART

asked 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 McEWEN

asked 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. COLLINS

I 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 the reasons for this decision are somewhat lengthy I am writing to my hon. Friends on the subject.

Mr. STEWART

Will not the right hon. Gentleman consider that this was a rather special inquiry called for the direct benefit of the Government?

Mr. MAXTON

What about the Greenock inquiry?

Sir G. COLLINS

No, 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.