§ 59. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the urgent appeal to him from the Stornoway Town Council for assistance in dealing with German buyers and the German fisheries government department, whose action in refusing to pay more 893 than 6s. below even the minimum prices for herring as laid down by the Herring Industry Board caused a temporary complete stoppage of the fishing; what action was taken by him or by the Herring Industry Board; and whether he has plans for dealing with such emergencies in future, especially with regard to the possibility of the Government entering the market to prevent the abuse of a buyer's monopoly or providing other temporary guarantees?
Mr. WedderburnThe temporary stoppage of herring fishing at Stornoway on 1st June was due to the unremunerative prices offered by the German buying organisation, which caused curers to cease operations. The position was reported to the Herring Industry Board by their area committee by telegram on the morning of 2nd June. The board immediately got into touch with the German buying organisation in Berlin, and on 3rd June were able to arrange for improved prices. Information to that effect was telegraphed to Stornoway the same afternoon, the herring fleet proceeded to sea that night and curing operations were resumed on the morning of the 4th of June. In reply to the last part of the question, the Herring Industry Board have power to deal with such emergencies as is shown by their prompt intervention on this occasion.
§ Mr. MacMillanCan the Under-Secretary indicate the increased price that was obtained as a result of that intervention?
Mr. WedderburnI am informed that there were 18 different kinds of herring, all of which sold for different prices. Therefore, I cannot go into the prices, but the increase was of the order of 10 per cent.