§ 48. Mr. LEONARDasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the dissatisfaction in the Scottish herring industry at the personnel of the Herring Board; and whether, in view of the importance of Scottish interests involved, he is prepared to recommend the board to exercise its powers to vary its composition so as to give adequate recognition to the Scottish section of the industry?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have received representations from the Scottish Herring Producers' Association to the effect that they are dissatisfied with the Herring Industry Board as at present constituted. The machinery provided by the Act for variation of the composition of the board is an Order made by the Ministers on the representation of the board. I understand that the Association have requested the board to make such a representation and that the 1904 matter will shortly be considered by the board.
§ Mr. LEONARDWill the right hon. Gentleman use any influence he may have to get the representation altered, in view of the fact that Scottish drifters number over 600 and English drifters 300, and that Scottish motor boats number over 700 and the English boats only 171?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIt is laid down in the Act that the Ministers can act only after they have received representations from the board. I can assure my hon. Friend that directly such representations are received we shall give the matter immediate consideration.