HC Deb 13 July 1937 vol 326 cc1029-30
9. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he encourages emigration of fishermen and others from the Western Isles to Canada or elsewhere; and whether there are no means of providing employment for the fishermen in our own fishing industry?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Elliot)

The question whether the emigration of fishermen to Canada or elsewhere should be encouraged has not yet come before me on any concrete proposal. As regards the last part of the question, the provision of employment in our own fishing industry depends essentially on the restoration of prosperity to that industry, and the Government are giving constant attention to that difficult problem.

Mr. MacMillan

Before the right hon. Gentleman gives consideration to the fishing or any other industry in Canada, will he consider first the problem of finding employment for these men in their own fishing industry, which is in a deplorable state?

Mr. Elliot

I will certainly do so.

Mr. Garro Jones

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that unless something is done to expedite measures for the reorganisation of the fishing industry, thousands of trawl fishermen will be added to the burden of the Unemployment Fund?

Mr. Elliot

I take it that the hon. Gentleman is not referring to the Western Isles, but to the Aberdeen area.