§ 72. Mr. HENDERSON STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, following upon his meeting with representatives of the herring industry, he will urge upon the Herring Industry Board, in its own interests and in order to marshal the co-operation of all sections of the trade before the summer season, the necessity of taking the rank and file fishermen into its confidence by a full statement of policy made publicly in Scotland without delay?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Lieut.-Colonel Colville)As stated in reply to the hon. Member's question on Tuesday with the authority of the Herring Industry Board they intend to take all practicable means of publicly explaining their policy. The Herring Industry Board who are meeting a deputation from the Scottish herring 1096 industry this afternoon have been made aware of the importance which my right hon. Friend attaches to the maintenance of confidence as between themselves and the industry.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIs my hon. and gallant Friend aware that, if the Herring Board and his own Department continue to display their present ineptitude, there is every likelihood that not a single drifter will go to sea this season?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI disagree with my hon. Friend. He will be aware of the improvement in the export of herring last year compared with the two previous seasons.
Mr. STEWARTWill my hon. and gallant Friend press on the board the necessity for a public statement in Scotland as to their policy immediately and in the months to come?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe importance of the matter is fully before the board.