HC Deb 19 June 1933 vol 279 c472
24. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he can make a statement with regard to the dispute in the herring-fishing industry; and whether he has considered the advisability of his intervening to try to bring it to an end?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

I understand that meetings of the two associations interested are being held in Aberdeen to-day, and I hope that as a result of these meetings the difficulties which have arisen will be surmounted. As regards the second part of the question, I may say that the Fishery Board wrote on the 10th of June to both associations urging the setting-up of a joint committee for the discussion of the questions at issue between them, and on Friday last they telegraphed emphasising the necessity of the immediate appointment of a small negotiating body. The chairman of the Fishery Board is in Aberdeen to-day and is prepared to render any assistance possible. I would only add that I am always ready to give such help as I can in the interests of the industry.

Sir M. WOOD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider suggesting to the parties that they should pay the sum in dispute into a suspense account, leaving its ultimate destination to be decided later, and meantime allowing the fleet to proceed to sea?

Sir G. COLLINS

The proposal mentioned by the hon. Gentleman is being considered to-day, and, in view of that fact, I think that any expression of opinion on my part might not be tactful.