§ 20. Major Sir ARCHIBALD SINCLAIRasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the importance of launching his scheme for assistance to fishermen in the replacement of lost and damaged gear in time to enable the greatest possible number of boats and crews to participate in the summer fishing, he is yet in a position to make an announcement of its terms?
§ 22. Sir ROBERT HAMILTONasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to announce the details of the scheme for the assistance of fishermen by the replacement of gear?
§ 23. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the provision of nets and gear for the equipment of the Scottish drift-net fishermen; whether the Fishery Board for Scotland have reported in favour of making such provision; and whether he is prepared to give effect to the views of the Board?
§ 24. Sir CHARLES BARRIEasked the Secretary for Scotland if he is aware of the increasing difficulties the herring fishers have in continuing their vocation owing to the lack of gear; and is he now in a position to make any announcement?
§ 25. Mr. FREDERICK MARTINasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, before the opening of the herring fishery season on 1st June, he will announce the decision of the Government as to the assistance which it is proposed to afford the industry towards replacing lost gear?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Adamson)I am not yet in a position to state whether any such scheme of assistance will be adopted. With regard to the question put by the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire (Mr. F. Martin) I certainly expect to announce a decision, favourable or unfavourable to the fishermen, before the date he mentions.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the Adjournment he said that he would give this question consideration?
§ Mr. MILLARHas the right hon. Gentleman received a report from the Fisheries Board for Scotland in favour of such provision being made, and if so is he prepared to give effect to it?
Mr. ADAMSONIn reply to my right hon. Friend I undoubtedly said that as soon as I could I would give a reply, and I will carry out that promise. In reply to my hon. and learned Friend, as he knows it is not the practice to publish communications made to the Secretary for Scotland by any board or officers responsible to him, and I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by making an exception in this instance.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONHas the right hon. Gentleman approached the Treasury? Is the delay due to the Treasury?
Mr. ADAMSONI would suggest to my right hon. Friend that he would be well advised to leave the matter where it is at present. I am as well aware of the urgency of the matter as it is possible for him to be.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied with the composition of the Fishery Board?
§ Mr. MILLARAre Scottish Members of this House generally not entitled to know the views of a Department of State, the Fishery Board of Scotland, on a question of importance affecting the fisheries of Scotland?
Captain BENNCould the right hon. Gentleman tell us the cause of the delay in arriving at a decision?