Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTHasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the Report on the sea and inland fisheries of Ireland shows that Irish fishermen have been granted loans to the extent of nearly £60,000 to assist them in purchasing boats and fishing gear for the prosecution of their calling; and will he state whether there is any reason why similar assistance should not be given to the fishermen of Scotland?
Mr. McKINNON WOODFrom the last Report on the fisheries of Ireland, it appears that the total amount of the loans made during the twelve years to 31st March, 1912, was £52,850, a yearly average of £4,400—considerably less than the price of two steam drifters. In reply744W to the second part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the matter is at present under the consideration of a Departmental Committee.
Mr. LEICESTER HARMSWORTHfurther asked the President of the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that the Report on the sea and inland fisheries of Ireland states that steam or motor power having become increasingly necessary for the successful prosecution of the fishing industry, it was decided during the year ending 31st March last to make loans of £1,650 and £1,250 to enable selected crews to procure two secondhand steam drifters; that during the year twenty-nine loans, amounting to £7,057, have been granted for the building and equipping of new motor drift-net boats and the installation of motor power in existing fishing boats; and will he consider the expediency of granting similar loans to the fishermen of Caithness and the Highland crofting counties for the equipment of steam-motor craft?
Mr. McKINNON WOODMy right hon. Friend has asked me to reply to this question, as it is not within his Department. I am aware of the report referred to. In reply to the last part of the question, I would remind my hon. Friend that the matter is at present under the consideration of a Departmental Committee.