§ 59. Sir M. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the situation facing local authorities in the North-east of Scotland as a result of the failure of herring fishing combined with the agricultural depression; and whether the Government will consider special measures to enable these authorities to meet the immediate distress, in view of the fact that, since farm servants and share fishermen are outside the scope of the unemployment insurance scheme, relatively less assistance from central funds is available to this area than to other parts of the country?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo representations have been made to my right hon. Friend that the local authorities in question are unable, within the financial, resources at their disposal, to give any relief that may be necessary in their areas.
§ Sir M. WOODDoes the Under-Secretary understand that the distress in this area is to a large extent the direct result of the Government's present policy?
§ Mr. SKELTONNo, Sir. I cannot accept any such proposition.