§ 43. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the publication of parts of the Scottish National Dictionary has been suspended through lack of funds; that a sum of £2,000, spread over four years, is estimated as necesasry for the conclusion of this work, and that the late Lord Balfour extricated the English Dialect Dictionary from similar difficulties; and whether he can now say what steps, if any, he proposes to take on the matter?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am aware of the circumstances mentioned in the question, but I regret that I am unable to add anything to the reply given to a similar question by the right hon. Member on 14th June last.
§ Mr. JohnstonWhen the right hon. Gentleman as the special guardian of Scottish interests in the Government sees a great cultural effort like this perishing does he not blush?
§ Mr. ColvilleIf Scotland desires this effort to succeed I have no doubt that it will receive support. I hope such support will be forthcoming, but it is not open to me to subscribe from public funds.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs the Secretary of State aware that, as stated in the question, when the English Dictionary was in similar difficulties a previous Prime Minister extricated that dictionary from its difficulties?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe right hon. Gentleman knows that the fund used at that time is not now available.
§ Mr. G. A. MorrisonIs it not a disgrace to all of us that a great national work like this should be allowed to lapse? Cannot the right hon. Gentleman make one more effort to save it?
§ Mr. ColvilleAs the Scottish National Dictionary is regarded as of such great importance, I shall expect to see a larger measure of public support forthcoming.