§ 24. Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has had submitted to him proposals put before the Convention of Burghs in Scotland by the Commissioner for Buckie for a disposal, by agreement with Russian buying agencies, of any surplus catches of herring at a specially reduced price; and, seeing 1042 that this guaranteed outlet would reduce overhead charges of the Scottish herring fleet to such an extent as to restore stability and a measure of prosperity to the industry, whether he will forthwith enter into negotiations with the Russian buying agencies on the matter?
§ Mr. ElliotI am aware of these proposals which were discussed by representatives of the Convention with members of the Herring Industry Board in November last. The Board, however, did not consider the proposals to be practicable. In particular the prices proposed did not seem to be such as would commend themselves to the industry.
§ Mr. JohnstonWould the right hon. Gentleman, in the interest of the herring fleet, at least open up negotiations with Russia?
§ Mr. ElliotThat is a different question: This is whether these proposals discussed at the Convention were considered.
§ Mr. JohnstonThe last sentence of my question specifically asks whether he will forthwith enter into negotiations with the Russian buying agencies.
§ Mr. ElliotThe Herring Board is the proper agency for entering into negotiations on these matters.