§ Mr. LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that many crofters in the Western Isles are unable, owing to unemployment and the failure of crops, to pay cash for the necessary seed potatoes and seed oats; and what proposals he has to make in the matter?
Mr. ADAMSONI have received representations that in some cases crofters will be unable to pay cash for seed even at the reduced rates which have now been fixed. I understand that the Executive Committee of the Lord Provosts' Funds are making arrangements under which persons who are unable to pay the reduced rates and who require further assistance may submit applications to the Local Distress Committees which the Executive Committee has established.
§ Sir W. SUTHERLANDasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that in many localities in the Highlands it is quite impossible for the people to purchase the necessary seed oats and potatoes on the terms offered by the Board of Agriculture; and whether, in view of the great distress and the urgency of the sowing, he can now state what further assistance can be given?
Mr. ADAMSONAs I announced in the House on Thursday last, it has been decided to increase substantially the amount of assistance originally offered towards the supply of seed oats and seed potatoes.