Major WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he is aware of the danger to which the slipway at Macduff Harbour is exposed through coast erosion; and what is the reason for the delay in dealing with the matter;
(2) what is the reason for the delay in dealing with the harbour improvement schemes which were submitted some months ago by harbour authorities in Banffshire, at the special request of the Government, as a means of dealing with the problem of unemployment?
Mr. W. ADAMSONAs I stated in my reply to the hon. and gallant Member on 4th February, there has been no delay in dealing with cases where definite schemes and plans have been submitted. As regards harbours in Banffshire, schemes have been approved for Whitehills and2074W Banff, involving together grants of £7,550, and for Cullen a grant of a sum up to £450 has been sanctioned by the Unemployment Grants Committee. The schemes submitted for Portknockie and Findochty require further consideration. In the case of Buckie, the town council's formal application has recently been received and will be dealt with without delay. The question of making a grant towards the cost of protecting the slipway at Macduff from erosion is being considered by the Fishery Board who hope to intimate a decision at an early date.