§ 45. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has any statement to make regarding the arrangements operating this autumn for the marketing of herring and the curing of herring caught on the Clyde; and whether 333 he has any statement to make regarding improvements thereon for next season?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe demand for herring taken in the Clyde during the coming months will depend on the quality of the herring and on the total supplies available there and elsewhere in Great Britain. In the view of the Herring Industry Board, with whom I have been in consultation, the ordinary trade channels should be able adequately to deal with the supplies available during the present autumn. As regards curing, as the hon. and learned Member is aware, the amount of curing in the Clyde area is normally very small in relation to the total quantity cured in Great Britain, and the Herring Industry Board have no reason to believe that the facilities are inadequate. If, however, the hon. and learned Member has any suggestions to make regarding improvements in the arrangements for marketing or curing in that area, I shall be glad to arrange for their consideration.