HC Deb 16 November 1937 vol 329 cc175-7
4. Mr. James Brown

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that there is great hardship among fishermen on the Clyde coast owing to the closing of ports at the week-ends and to the dumping of herring and the lack of proper marketing of them; and whether he will, in the near future, examine the position and take such steps as are likely to ease the serious situation in which these fishermen find themselves?

Mr. Elliot

I am aware that the earnings of the herring fishermen of the Clyde areas have recently been poor, but I am informed that this has resulted mainly from the small size and soft quality of a great part of the herring taken and the consequent difficulty of marketing the catch. The restriction of fishing operations has been imposed by a local committee appointed by the Herring Industry Board and consisting of fishermen and other members of the industry. I am informed that the object of the restriction was to prevent wasteful fishing and further dislocation of the industry. I am informed that an improvement in the position is expected to result from the purchase of herring in this area for export fresh to Germany, which I understand began again last week.

Mr. Brown

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that what is required is a widening of the mesh so that so many immature fish are not destroyed, for that is dangerous to the Clyde fishermen?

Mr. T. Johnston

Will the right hon. Gentleman answer the last part of my right hon. Friend's question, whether he will personally examine the position? He is throwing the industry on to the Herring Industry Board, and, as he knows, the board is not very popular in the fishing industry in Scotland.

Mr. Elliot

I will certainly examine the position myself, but I have already answered the question by indicating that the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, and I have the position of the herring industry and possible legislation under review.

Mr. Brown

Surely the right hon. Gentleman knows that a great deal of hardship exists, especially on the Ayrshire seaboard and at Campbelltown, and that something ought to be done?

Mr. Gibson

Is there a movement among the Clyde fishermen for the opening of the ports at the week-end?

9. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any report to make upon his recent meeting with the deputation from the herring industry; whether he has decided to take action upon their recommendations; and, if so, what action is contemplated?

Mr. Elliot

The proposals which were made by the deputation last week for financial assistance to the herring industry would require legislation. I am now examining them in conjunction with my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Mr. Stewart

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the urgency of these recommendations in view of the rather critical state of the industry?

Mr. Elliot

Certainly.

Sir Edmund Finlay

In view of the extreme importance of this legislation, will my right hon. Friend make no statement until the whole question has been properly threshed out?