§ 77. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will indicate the steps to be taken by farmers and crofters who have suffered serious sheep losses in the recent snowstorms and who are unable to sustain losses of such magnitude to bring their losses to his notice in connection with the consideration which he is giving to Government measures for relief and the procedure which should be followed so that losses can be verified.
§ Mr. J. StuartUnder the Livestock Replacement Scheme, I can make loans to farmers to assist them to replace livestock lost through abnormal weather conditions. Applications should be made to the Department of Agriculture for Scotland. They, in consultation with the agricultural executive committee, will verify losses and satisfy themselves that a loan is justified. Advances made will be repayable over a period of up to five years with interest at 3½ per cent.