§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSS (Glasgow, Camlachie)I beg to ask the Secretary 98 for Scotland whether he is aware of the suffering and loss endured by the fishermen of Loch Fyne in consequence of the failure of the herring fishing; whether he knows that this is believed to be due to the want of any close time for herrings; and whether, having in view that there is no representative on the Scottish Fishery Board representing the interests of the West Coast, he will instruct the officials of that Board to prosecute inquiry, with the view of setting up a close time for herrings.
§ * MR. SINCLAIRThe failure of the herring fishing in Loch Fyne during last year, and the loss which it has entailed on the fishermen are greatly deplored by the Government. The subject is under the observation of the Fishery Board. It is not clear that such failure is due to the want of a close time. The movements of herrings are well known to be erratic. And the unproductiveness of last year's fishing is believed to represent one of those periods of scarcity which have recurred at intervals off the Scottish Coast, and which would be unaffected by the establishment of a close time. An inquiry is at present being made by the Board's Scientific Department into the migration, etc., of herrings in the Clyde area, the results of which will be made known in due course. It is not the case, as stated in the Question, that there is no representative of the West Coast on the Fishery Board.
§ MR. ALEXANDER CROSSDoes the right hon. Gentleman know who is the representative of Rothesay on the Fishery Board, and is he aware what are his qualifications for the post?
§ * MR. SINCLAIRYes, Sir.