§ 50. Sir G. RENTOULasked the Prime Minister whether he proposes to institute an official investigation into the problems of the fishing industry, with a view both to the development of the industry and to the amelioration of the lot of fishermen and their families; and, if so, what form will such investigation take and what will be the exact scope of the inquiry?
§ Mr. N. BUXTONI have been asked to reply. The Fisheries Department, which is in daily contact with the fishing industry of England and Wales through the Coastal Staff of Inspectors and Fishery Officers, is familiar (with the problems of the industry, as I am assured is the Fishery Board for Scotland. I am, however, considering with my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether there is any occasion for any formal official inquiry to supplement the general review in which we are both engaged.
§ Sir G. RENTOULIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a definite pledge that such an inquiry would be held was given at the last election, on the strength of which many fishermen were asked to support the party opposite?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have already said that we are engaged in a general review.
Major WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that a definite pledge was given that, immediately a Labour Government was returned, an official investigation would be set on foot?
§ Mr. BUXTONWe are carrying out all our pledges.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman see if this carrying out of pledges can be expedited for the benefit of the Opposition?