HC Deb 04 March 1958 vol 583 cc961-2
38. Mr. Emrys Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he has not agreed to the Girvan Town Council's plan for an expenditure of £25,000 on the harbour.

Mr. Maclay

New grants or loans are at present being sanctioned only in cases of special urgency and the town council's project could not be considered to come within this category.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that this harbour is considered necessary for the safety of the fishermen? On a day when we are supposed to vote £400 million for the Royal Navy, does not he think that this small sum of £25,000 is a reasonable sum and should be given?

Mr. Maclay

I should like very much to see this project going ahead as soon as circumstances make it possible, but there are unavoidable priorities at a time like this. I repeat that I hope the time will come when it can be sanctioned.