asked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is aware that the proposed contribution by the Board of Agriculture towards the cost of seed oats and potatoes to the smallholders in the Highlands of Scotland will only amount to about 7 per cent. of the purchase price per quarter; and whether he will reconsider the amount of the grant, in view of the inability of many of the smallholders to find the remaining 93 per cent. of the purchase price of the necessary seed?

Mr. ADAMSON:

I think the hon. and gallant Baronet is under a misapprehension in supposing that the contribution originally proposed would have represented only about 7 per cent. of the cost of the seed. As, however, I announced in the House on Thursday last, it has been decided to increase substantially the amount of assistance originally proposed. The terms on which the seed oats and seed potatoes will be supplied will shortly be announced.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what counties he includes under the term "Highlands"?

Mr. ADAMSON:

I will leave that to my hon. and gallant Friend.

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what case there is for giving facilities to people in the Highlands that are not given to equally deserving cases elsewhere?

asked the Secretary for Scotland whether the assistance of the Board of Agriculture in the purchase of seed oats and potatoes will be available for all farmers, irrespective of the size of their holdings?

Mr. ADAMSON:

The assistance will be available for necessitous small landholders, crofters and cottars in the seven crofting counties. It will not be available for farmers whose holdings exceed the limits prescribed for small holdings in the Small Landholders (Scotland) Act, 1911.