§ 1. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the communication sent from Buckie Town Council impressing upon the Government the plight of the herring fishing industry and the urgency of immediate assistance to enable herring fishermen to prosecute their calling and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to deal with the emergency?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)I have received a telegram from the town council of Buckie asking for Government assistance for the herring fishing industry. A petition containing a similar request has been submitted by the associations who represent the industry, and in conjunction with the Parliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries I have arranged to meet a deputation from the associations on Thursday.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that on account of the uncertainty in this industry everything is at a standstill at the present moment; and will he endeavour to make some announcement within the next few days which will enable them to start preparations in earnest for the new fishing?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI realise the anxiety which exists in the herring industry, and 888 I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that on Thursday, when we receive the deputation, we shall listen with deep anxiety and sympathy to their statements, and try to assist them in every possible way.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the party of the hon. and and gallant Member is opposed to the principle of subsidies?
§ 4. Rear - Admiral Sir MURRAY SUETERasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether there has been since 1st January of this year any considerable export of salt herring to Russia as a result of the Anglo-Soviet Trade Agreement?
§ Sir G. COLLINSMy information is that no salt herring have been exported to Russia since the date mentioned, and indeed that very few have been available in that period. I understand, however, that the herring trade are negotiating with the Soviet's representatives with a view to a sale of herring cured during the coming season.