§ 74. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he intends to introduce legislation to effect the closing of the Minch to trawling in the interest of the revival of the fishing industry in the Western Isles and the West Coast; and whether he proposes that the closing of the Minch will be seasonal or throughout the year?
§ Mr. ColvilleI would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave to his question on this subject on the 21st March last.
§ Mr. MacMillanIs it not the case that this recommendation has been made by many responsible people and especially by those concerned in the fishing industry in the outer Islands, and could not the right hon. Gentleman undertake at no very great expense to consider this step as a means of implementing demands of this report, even though it does go beyond the report on the Western Islands and Highlands?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe hon. Member will remember that the Highland Committee Report in dealing with this subject felt unable to make a recommendation because of the far-reaching controversial issues raised. I have to bear these issues in mind.