§ 67. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a considerable portion of the drifter fleet will shortly become obsolete; and, in view of the urgency of the matter, will he cause immediate inquiry to be made into the advisability of instituting a credit scheme in order to assist the fishermen to replace their craft?
Mr. W. ADAMSONI would refer the hon. Member to my reply to the similar question by the hon. and gallant Member 1079 for the Montrose Burghs (Sir R. Hutchison) on 9th instant.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman think that these inquiries will be completed at any period that he can state?
§ 70. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the present amount of the Treasury grant provided annually to the Fishery Board for Scotland in aid of its piers and quays fund; and whether he is prepared to make representations for the grant being again increased to the sum of £3,000, at which figure it previously stood?
Mr. W. ADAMSONThe amount provided on the Fishery Board's Vote as a direct Grant-in-Aid towards the fund mentioned is at present £100. This is exclusive, however, of sums payable to the fund in respect of Surplus Herring Brand fees and of advances made from the Development Fund to enable the Board to maintain their dredging service. I propose to consider, in consultation with the Treasury, the question whether the Grant-in-Aid should be increased in next year's Estimate.
§ Mr. MILLARWill the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that immediate further effort is made to meet the needs of the smaller harbours in Scotland under the Fishery Board Regulations?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWill not the right hon. Gentleman consider this question in the course of his investigation in connection with the whole fishing industry?