§ 46. Mr. F. MARTINasked the Prime Minister whether he is now in a position to announce the nature, scope and probable date of the inquiry into the condition of the Scottish herring industry promised by him to Mr. Falconer L. Wallace, of Tillypronie, Aberdeenshire, in a letter dated 27th November, 1923?
§ The SOLICITOR-GENERAL for SCOTLAND (Mr. F. C. Thomson)I have been asked to reply. In the letter dated 29th November, to which the hon. Member apparently refers, my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister stated that it was the Government's intention carefully to consider how assistance can best be given to the industry. The question is receiving careful consideration by the Departments concerned. I am not in a position to state at present whether a formal inquiry will be necessary or expedient.
§ Mr. HARDIEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that herrings, landed at a cost of less than ½d. per lb. in Oban and Aberdeen, are delivered at something less than 1d. per lb. in Glasgow, and yet the consumer is asked to pay from 6d. to 8d. per lb.? Would it not help the herring industry to try and find out who is responsible for this swindle?
§ Mr. PRINGLEMay I ask the Prime Minister whether when he made the promise referred to in this question to the Unionist candidate for East Aberdeen he had any notion of the scope of the inquiry promised, or was it given simply as a promise by an honest man made for the purposes of the election?