HC Deb 14 June 1938 vol 337 cc14-5
21. Mr. T. Johnston

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the difficulties being encountered by the Committee promoting the Scottish national dictionary; that there is a danger of the research work for the remaining parts being held up for lack of funds; that the English dialect dictionary was assisted over its difficulties by a grant secured from a fund by the late Lord Balfour; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will ask for a Parliamentary grant to enable the organisers of the Scottish enterprise to complete and publish their remaining volumes?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

I understand that the position is generally as stated by the right hon. Gentleman. While, however, I sympathise with the difficulties of those who are promoting the dictionary, I do not think that I would be justified in asking Parliament for a special grant to assist them.

Mr. Johnston

Can the right hon. Gentleman indicate what other steps he proposes to take to assist this committee, seeing that members of his own party did succeed effectively in assisting in the production of an English dictionary?

Mr. Colville

As the right hon. Gentleman knows, there were special circumstances surrounding the grant made in the case of the English dictionary. I have not been able to indicate other sources from which a grant could be made in this case. I do not think I should be justified in asking Parliament for one.

Mr. Johnston

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the supplementary question—does he propose to take steps of any kind to prevent this dictionary being scrapped?

Mr. Colville

I agree that it is deserving of support, but the right hon. Gentleman will recognise that there are very many requests for State assistance for worthy objects both in England and in Scotland, and they cannot all succeed.

Mr. Johnston

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer my question—does he or does he not propose to take any steps to prevent this dictionary being scrapped?

Mr. Colville

I have told the right hon. Gentleman quite clearly that I cannot ask Parliament for a grant in this case.