§ 62. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will give particulars of the loan fund announced on 9th July designed to assist the growing of soft fruit in the North of Scotland.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Niall Macpherson)An amount not exceeding £10,000 is being provided from the Development Fund, From this, individual loans up to £300 1041 will be made to small farmers and crofters in the Moray Firth area, where soil and climate are well suited for the growing of soft fruit. The loans, which will be administered by a body entitled the Northern Fruit Growers Loan Fund Ltd., will be available to occupiers of holdings of 50 acres or less, against the actual cost of stocks, fertilisers and implements.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it not a fact that this praiseworthy scheme goes as far as Ross-shire? Is there any reason why it could not be extended a little further north, as soft fruit is grown in Sutherland and Caithness?
§ Mr. John MacLeodHow many have taken advantage of the scheme?
§ Mr. MacphersonI should require notice of the second supplementary question. In reply to the first supplementary question, loans can be extended to members elsewhere if it is so agreed between the Development Commission, the Department of Agriculture for Scotland and the Association itself. It would be open to other associations to be formed, provided they were approved by the Development Commissioners.
§ Mr. WoodburnCan the hon. Gentleman say what the purposes of these loans to farmers are? Is it because in that part of Scotland they can grow soft fruit free from disease and it will become a valuable source of stock for the rest of the country?
§ Mr. MacphersonThis is a commercial proposition. It is to encourage crofters and small farmers in that area in the growing of soft fruit.