HC Deb 19 February 1924 vol 169 cc1579-80W
Duchess of ATHOLL

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether His Majesty's Government are prepared to supply seed oats and seed potatoes to the distressed areas in the Highlands and Islands; and, if so, whether they are prepared to meet freight charges of same, and at what price they will supply the said oats and potatoes to those who require them?

Mr. ADAMSON

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In cases where assistance is required the Board of Agriculture will pay freight charges to convenient railway stations or piers and contribute £1 per ton towards the market price of the seed.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether. in view of the recent failure of the harvest in the crofting counties of Scotland. the Board of Agri- culture is prepared to supply seed oats and potatoes to crofters and smallholders, in accordance with the provisions of The Congested Districts (Scotland) Act, 1897, and The Small Landholders (Scotland) Act., 1911?

Mr. ADAMSON

As I indicated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member in the Debate which took place in this House on the 14th instant and in the reply which I have to-day given to a similar question by the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Atholl), the answer is in the affirmative.

Sir R. HAMILTON

asked the Secretary for Scotland the conditions of the scheme of the Board of Agriculture for Scotland under which seed oats and seed potatoes arc to be supplied to distressed crofters; and whether statutory small tenants and cottars are included in the scheme?

Mr. ADAMSON

I would refer the hon. Member to the replies which I have aleady given to-day to two similar questions on the same subject put by the Noble Lady the Member for Kinross and West Perth (Duchess of Atholl), and the hon. and gallant Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Sir A. Sinclair). The scheme will operate in necessitous areas within the seven crofting counties. Statutory small tenants and cottars as well as crofters and others will be eligible for assistance in cases where the needs of the individual arc such as to require it.