69. Major WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now in a position to state the intentions of the Government with regard to the fishermen's relief fund?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Mr. William Adamson)The Government have given very careful consideration to the suggestion that they should provide from State funds a contribution towards the replacement of the gear recently lost by a number of Scottish herring fishermen; but have come to the conclusion that any such departure from practice and precedent would involve them in making a similar contribution towards other industries which from time to time suffer heavy losses of the implements of production. Any further assistance than that which I have already intimated would require to be given through other channels and in other directions.
Major WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman refresh his memory as to the statements which were made by his colleagues last year with regard to the assistance which was given to the miners?
§ Mr. DUNCAN MILLARHas the right hon. Gentleman any other proposals in view? Is he in touch with any other Department, and does he propose to do anything to help the fishermen at this time?
§ Mr. ADAMSONIn regard to the supplementary questions following the question to which I have already given an answer, the circumstances are not on analogous lines at all. The assistance given to the miners was not given to replace implements of production, but to relieve the general distress existing among the mining industry. With regard to the second supplementary question, I have already said that any further assistance would require to he given through other channels and in other directions.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYArising out of the answer—[Interruption].
§ Mr. SPEAKERIf hon. Members would not make quite so much noise, I should be heard when I call them. Mr. Boothby.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that a great deal of the general distress which exists among the fishermen at the present time has largely arisen out of this disaster, and is he of opinion that the fund is sufficient to meet the urgent requirements of the fishing communities along the South-East coast of Scotland at the present time?
§ Mr. ADAMSONI have already replied to a similar question and stated that that is a matter for which I have responsibility and that, if it is brought to my notice, there will be a thorough inquiry into it.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is the intention of the Government to do anything at all in this case?
§ Mr. J. JONESIn spite of our sympathy with the Scottish fishermen, what about the fishermen of Silvertown?