§ 24. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is yet in a position to announce the outcome of the negotiations with the representatives of the herring industry; whether the contemplated agreement is calculated to increase the earnings of fishermen; and whether, failing agreement, the Government propose to take any steps to assist the industry in the present season?
§ 25. Mr. BOOTHBYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Government proposes to take in order to assist the herring fishing industry?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIn reply to these questions I am not yet in a position 737 to make a statement about the proposals which the herring industry have put forward, but I hope to do so in the very near future.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYCan the Secretary of State say when he expects the Sea Fish Commission to issue its first report?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am afraid not before the Session ends.
§ 26. Mr. REMERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can obtain the figures from the Scottish and English herring exporters and state the extent to which the Anglo-Russian trade agreement has resulted in increased sales of salt herring to the Soviet Government since 1st January, 1934?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI would refer the hon. Member to the replies given on Thursday last by the Secretary of the Department of Overseas Trade, who stated that the Soviet purchasing authorities have agreed to buy 70,000 barrels of herring. I understand that prior to this no purchases have been made since 1932.
§ Mr. REMERDoes this not show that the claims of the Liberal party in regard to the Anglo-Russian Agreement are all falsified?