§ 36. Mr. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the successful experiments in Shetland waters of spotting shoals of herring by aeroplane; whether the Herring Industry Board has considered the employment of aeroplanes as a regular aid in the fishing service; and whether he can make any statement on the subject?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)I have received a report from the Fishery Board for Scotland on these 1979 experiments. Experiments of a similar kind undertaken by the board some years ago were not regarded as sufficiently successful to justify their continuance. The Herring Industry Board, however, are at present visiting Shetland and will discuss the present experiments and their results with the persons concerned. I shall follow the progress of the experiments with interest.
§ Mr. JohnstonIf the right hon. Gentleman finds that the report of the Herring Industry Board is favourable, will he take the necessary steps to see that it is followed up?
§ Mr. ColvilleWell, I certainly will follow this matter up, because the report I have received shows interesting results.
§ Mr. MacquistenCan the right hon. Gentleman not use aeroplanes to find buyers for the fish?