§ 9. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been directed to a scheme for settling 300 Scottish fishermen and their families in Vancouver, British Columbia; and whether he has any statement to make regarding the development of salmon fisheries in Scotland with a view to the provision of employment for such fishermen in Scotland?
§ Mr. ElliotI am not aware of the adoption of any scheme for settling 300 Scottish fishermen and their families in British Columbia, although I understand that certain proposals emanating from private sources in British Columbia have been received by the Overseas Settlement Board and are under consideration. As regards the second part of the question, any development of the salmon fisheries in Scotland can only be a gradual process, and, while such a development may be possible, I do not think it could provide any substantial addition to employment in the near future.
§ Mr. GibsonDoes not the right hon. Gentleman consider that, if that gradual process is to receive a start, the appropriate way, and the best way, would be by legislative proposals put forward by the right hon. Gentleman?
§ Mr. ElliotI do not think that that arises out of the question on the Paper.