§ 4. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reports he has now received on the position of the Scottish herring centres; what degree of distress these reports show; and whether he is now able to concede the request for temporary financial assistance to these areas, in view of the failure of the summer and Yarmouth fishings?
8. Mr. BOOTH BYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has yet received a report on the situation in the fishing towns and villages of the northeast; and, if so, what steps he proposes to take to relieve the distress?
§ Sir G. COLLINSReports from the various fishing centres have now been received and although the results of the autumn fishing are slightly better than was at first thought, there is no doubt that the financial position of the fishermen is in general very unsatisfactory. There is no indication, however, at the moment that the local authorities concerned will be unable to deal with distress without special assistance. The situation in the areas principally affected will be closely watched during the coming months.
§ Mr. H. STEWARTDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that local provision to cover the distress will necessarily place a greater burden on local ratepayers, who are themselves in many cases distressed fishermen, and in that case, will he not consider offering special financial assistance?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI addressed myself to this problem this morning, and, if the 1088 present rate of unemployment continues in these areas, the rates in the pound, compared with other areas, would not be excessive.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYAre we to take it that the right hon. Gentleman does not rule out the possibility, should conditions become worse, of affording direct financial assistance to these areas at a later stage?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThat question has not arisen, and I must await the circumstances before taking further action.
§ Sir M. WOODHas the right hon. Gentleman considered the possibility of assisting public works in these districts?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI made inquiries on that subject, and in some of the areas public works such as harbours were instituted, but they did not result in much local labour being required.
§ 9. Sir M. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any progress has been made with his efforts to reach a solution of the difficulty in the Moray Firth where foreign trawlers are permitted to fish in waters from which British trawlers are excluded?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI regret that up to the present it has not been found possible to make progress in this matter.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman considering the issuing of a statement explaining to the fishermen the difficulties of the Government in dealing with this question?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am sure that the fishermen, as well as my hon. Friend, are well aware of the difficulties which have confronted every Government in this matter for 25 years.
§ Sir M. WOODNo, indeed. Is my right hon. Friend aware that when I have attempted to explain to the fishermen the difficulties I have been contradicted, and, in view of the fact that the Assembly of the Church of Scotland have passed a resolution on the matter, does he not think it highly desirable in order to satisfy public opinion that the Government should issue an official statement explaining why they cannot close this area to foreign trawlers?
§ Sir G. COLLINSMay I remind my hon. Friend that there are other 1089 problems connected with the fishing industry which have been under consideration?