§ 85. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the reason for Provost J. Merson leaving the Fishery Board; whether his attention has been called to his complaints of having found too little to do and that during his five years on the board his activities had been curbed; whether he has caused any inquiries to be made into these complaints; and whether he proposes to give wider powers to the Fishery Board?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThe statutory term of office of the members of the Fishery Board for Scotland expired in January last and in selecting the new board my right hon. Friend decided to give an opportunity of service to some new members which to his regret necessarily meant omission of some of the former members. Provost Merson has made no complaint to my right hon. Friend on the lines suggested in the question and no inquiries have therefore been made. An extension of the powers of the board does not appear at present to be necessary, but if the hon. Member would give me particulars of what he has in mind the matter would be considered.
§ Mr. MACLEANHas not the attention of the right hon. and gallant Gentleman been drawn to the speech made by Provost Merson in which be made severe complaints about the lack of opportunity on the Fishery Board for doing anything for the fishing industry, and in view of that speech, which must be in the archives of the Scottish Office, will he make further inquiry into the matter to see whether or not Provost Merson's charges are justified?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEThere are many Press cuttings in the archives of the Scottish Office, but Provost Merson has not communicated with my right hon. Friend.