§ 1. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the difficulty which many of the harbour authorities at Scottish fishing ports are experiencing in meeting their financial liabilities as a result of the long-continued depression in the herring industry; whether he is aware that many fishermen have been unable to go to sea on account of their inability to pay the harbour dues on their boats; and whether he will now cause a further review of the financial position of these fishing harbours to be made?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I am aware that a number of Scottish herring fishery ports are in financial difficulties, but so far as I can learn it is not the case that fishermen have been prevented from going to sea owing to inability to pay harbour dues. As regards the last part of the question, the position was comprehensively reviewed as recently as 1929 when remissions of debt amounting 180 to £280,000 were made. In the circumstances it would be premature to undertake a further general review at present.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs my right hon. Friend not aware that the situation has greatly deteriorated since 1929 and could he not at least consider the question of consulting the Public Works Loan Commissioners as a preliminary step in this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am aware that the situation has deteriorated since 1929, but, in view of the forthcoming legislation, I think it would be as well to wait.
§ Sir IAN MACPHERSONWill not my right hon. Friend consider certain specially hard cases?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt is very difficult directly one opens the door to some cases to close it to other cases. I am well aware of the difficulties, but I think it would be better to wait to see the result of the operations of the forthcoming Bill.