asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the percentage of the grants made for approved drainage schemes in the year 1934–35 is to be 33 per cent., or 25 per cent., of the total expenditure incurred in each case?

As recently announced, the rate of grants in aid of drainage schemes in 1934 will be an amount not exceeding 25 per cent. of the cost of the work approved by the Department of Agriculture for Scotland.

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that all the other agricultural authorities in Scotland regard drainage as being of prime importance, and will he explain to the House why if is that the grant is not 50 per cent. at least?

I am well aware of the extreme desire by many authorities in Scotland for this grant to be increased. This is more a matter for debate in the House, but, in reply to my right hon. and learned Friend, I would say that one has to balance these things with the general situation.