§ 38. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is yet in a position to announce the intentions of the Government regarding the recommendations of the Sea-fish Commission for the reorganisation of the herring industry?
§ 39. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can now state the policy of His Majesty's 30 Government with regard to the herring fishing industry?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe introduction of legislation for reorganising the herring industry on the lines of the report of the Sea-fish Commission has been approved in principle, and I hope to introduce the Bill next week.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYDoes the right hon. Gentleman propose to take counsel with the leaders of the industry before the Bill is finally in draft, or has he already done so; and will he do his best to facilitate the passage of this legislation before next summer's fishing begins?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am fully aware of the urgency of the matter. If the Bill is passed by the House of Commons, the scheme will be in operation at a very early date next year. In reply to the earlier part of the question, I speak from memory, but I think the interests have been consulted. I would like to check that point.