§ 58. Mr. ERNEST BROWNasked the Secretary of state for Scotland if the Fishery Board for Scotland has been consulted with reference to the inclusion of fishermen in the new Health Insurance Bill; and whether in-shore and deep-sea fishermen will equally be brought into the Bill?
§ Major ELLIOTThe general question of dealing with share fishermen in any such legislation is primarily one for the Departments administering the health insurance and contributory pensions scheme, and the Fishery Board has not yet been consulted, but in the framing of any Clauses the Fishery Board for Scotland will, of course, be consulted on any technical questions that may arise. The question of the precise scope of any such provisions will require to be examined carefully, but, so far as Scotland is concerned, I understand that the share fishermen are engaged, generally speaking, in deep-sea fishing.
§ Mr. WOMERSLEYIs the Under-Secretary aware that successive Liberal Governments were approached to include these men under the Insurance Act, and they refused to do so?
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman also consult the fishermen as well as the Board, because they may not want to be included?
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not the proper way to deal with these trawlers to suspend their certificates?