§ Sir A. SINCLAIRasked the Secretary of State for Scotland by what channels and in what directions, other than a voluntary relief fund, the Government propose to help the Scottish fishermen who suffered in the recent disaster off the East Anglian Coast; and whether, in considering precedents for an extension of relief from Government sources to industries stricken by overwhelming misfortune, they have considered not only the precedent of the mining industry but also that of the grant of seed-oats and potatoes to the agricultural industry after disastrous harvests?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe Government has decided, subject to approval by Parliament of the necessary provision, to offer loans at a low rate of interest to assist Scottish fishermen to replace nets lost in the gale off the East Anglian Coast on 11th November. It is proposed to ask Parliament to vote a sum not exceeding £50,000 for such loans on the Vote of the Fishery Board for Scotland. Arrangements are being made with a view to the co-ordination of this scheme with the 1951W administration of the Lord Provosts' Relief Funds. Perhaps I may take this opportunity of informing the House that at my meeting with the Lord Provosts on Saturday it was decided that the Lord Provosts' Funds should be pooled in a single fund to be administered by a Central Committee. The Lord Provosts will continue to receive contributions which they will pass on to the Central Fund. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative.