§ 74. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the financial difficulties against which the scholars and research workers responsible for the production of the Scottish National Dictionary are labouring; that Part 2 of Volume II has been withheld from issue for lack of funds; and whether, as in similar circumstances in 1896 the late Lord Balfour secured a grant from the Royal Bounty Fund, thereby enabling the English Dialect Dictionary to be completed, he will cause inquiry to be made as to any source from which assistance could now be secured to enable research work for the Scottish dictionary to be proceeded with?
§ Mr. ElliotI regret the circumstances referred to in the first two parts of the question, but I am afraid that there are no funds at the Government's disposal from which financial assistance towards the cost of preparing and publishing the dictionary could be given. In the circumstances I would suggest that an approach should be made to bodies with funds available to help in such work, and I shall be glad to discuss this possibility with the right hon. Gentleman.
§ Mr. JohnstonWill the right hon. Gentleman also discuss with me the latter part of my question which he has not answered?
§ Mr. ElliotCertainly.