§ 48. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Prime Minister what arrangements have been completed to enable the Civil Research Committee on Fisheries to take evidence from Scotland regarding the need for replacement of unseaworthy herring drifters and other fishing vessels; whether the Committee proposes to visit Scotland; and whether it will be prepared to receive evidence in Scotland which may be submitted by representatives from the various fishing centres there?
§ The PRIME MINISTERImportant evidence has been received by the Fisheries Committee of the Economic Advisory Council respecting the Scottish herring industry and arrangements have been made for further evidence to be submitted on this subject; as regards the second part of the question, in view of the evidence already given and arranged to be given, the Committee do not consider that it will be necessary for them to visit Scotland. The third part of the question does not therefore arise.
§ Mr. MILLARDoes the right hon. Gentleman not think it desirable to afford every facility to those witnesses who cannot attend in London to give their evidence in Scotland; and, as this committee has to deal with Scottish matters as well as with matters affecting England, why should the committee not sit in Scotland?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI am perfectly certain that those questions were considered by those immediately responsible for the taking of evidence by the committee and I am also sure that if the hon. and learned Member communicates with them, they will consider everything he says in a most sympathetic manner.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs it not the fact that very valuable evidence has already been received from Scotland?
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan the Prime Minister state whether the report of this committee will be published and when the policy of the Government with regard to the herring fishing industry is likely to be announced?
§ The PRIME MINISTERReally it is no use putting that question about 40 times—
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIt is the first time that I have put it.
§ The PRIME MINISTERThe hon. Member will excuse me in that case. The rule is laid down, perfectly clearly, that the reports of these committees are primarily private reports for the information and guidance of the Government. In special cases and when no injury can be done, reports may be published, but an answer can never be given, either yea or nay, until the report is actually in our possession and that consideration rules all these reports.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYIs the Prime Minister aware that a great deal of evidence has already been received from Scotland, some of it very valuable, including that of fishermen in his own constituency?