65. Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether any, and, if so, how many Scottish steam trawlers have been 231 laid up in Aberdeen and Granton; what reason the owners of these vessels advance for their action in laying them up; and whether the Fisheries Board for Scotland accepts the owners' explanation as correct?
§ The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Munro)Thirty-five Scottish steam trawlers have been laid up at Aberdeen and twenty-two at Granton. The reason advanced by the owners for this action is that owing to the heavy working costs and the low prices realised for their catches, the vessels were barely earning expenses, and the opportunity was accordingly taken to carry out the annual overhaul. The Fishery Board for Scotland have no reason to doubt the accuracy of this explanation.