HC Deb 18 March 1935 vol 299 cc826-7
Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOOD

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to a resolution passed by the board of directors of the Scottish Herring Producers' Association last Wednesday to the effect that though they desire a scheme for the reorganisation and regulation of the herring fishing industry to be prepared under the Herring Industry Act, they are not prepared to accept any scheme which will be operated by the Herring Board as at present constituted; and what action he has taken, or proposes to take, to deal with the matter?

The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)

The reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. I regret that the Scottish Herring Producers' Association take exception to the composition of the Herring Industry Board. Its composition was the subject of great consideration by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and myself before the names were announced in the House on the 8th March, and we decided to proceed with the formal appointment of the board on the 15th March. The question of the preparation of a scheme has now to be considered by the board, and persons affected will have an opportunity of lodging objections to any scheme submitted to Ministers.

Sir M. McKENZIE WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that it is the composition of the board, not the scheme, to which the association takes exception; and will he therefore take steps to consult the association as to the particular objections they have to the men who have been nominated?

Sir G. COLLINS

I am unable to make any inquiries as to the composition of the board, which was announced after great consideration by the Ministers concerned. The producers' association after they have had a scheme submitted to them by the board will then be able, at the proper opportunity, to make any criticism or otherwise as to the details of the scheme.

Sir M. MCKENZIE WOOD

In view of the fact that the association gave notice of their objections before the board was actually confirmed, will the right hon. Gentleman say why he did not consult them before the board was constituted?

Sir G. COLLINS

We were fully aware of the objections of the association before we made the appointments final, and I can assure the hon. and gallant Member that it is quite impossible at this stage to get any board which will satisfy completely all sections of this industry.

Sir M. MCKENZIE WOOD

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that this is not a question—

Mr. SPEAKER

Mr. Lansbury.