§ 42. Sir M. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland, whether he has any information with regard to the situation created in the coast towns of the North-East coast of Scotland by the failure of the East Anglian herring fishing; and whether he has any proposals to deal with distress among the share-fishermen and their dependants?
44. Mr. BOOTH BYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the hardships of the herring-fishing industry owing to the failure of the summer fishing and the collapse of the autumn fishing; and whether, as the fishermen are not covered by unemployment insurance, the Government will consider the possibility of according some special measure of assistance to the distressed towns and villages on the East coast of Scotland (luring the present emergency?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am aware of the hardships which have arisen owing to the results of the East Anglian fishing. Reports on the situation of the herring fishing communities generally have been called for, but until the fishing vessels' settlements have been made up accurate information will not be available. Meanwhile, I have no reason to believe that the usual methods for dealing with any distress that may arise will be inadequate. I may add that every effort is being made to secure that the situation of the herring industry will be improved for next season.
§ Sir M. WOODWill the right hon. Gentleman remember that two-thirds of these fishermen are completely outside the scope of the Unemployment Insurance Scheme, and will he bear that in mind in deciding on any proposals that he may make?
§ Sir G. COLLINSYes.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman really think that he will be able to relieve the distress of these men during the forthcoming winter by rating them in order to pay for their own relief? That is what it amounts to.
§ Sir G. COLLINSUntil I have accurate information as to the situation which has unfortunately arisen in the North-East of Scotland I am afraid that I cannot give any further answer.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYWhen does the right hon. Gentleman expect to receive the reports?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI will inform my hon. Friend directly I receive the information, and perhaps he will then put down a further question.
Viscountess ASTORWill the Government consider doing half as much for the fishermen as they do for the sugar-beet growers?