HC Deb 07 November 1939 vol 353 c24
40. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is now able to announce the conditions under which the winter herring fishing will be permitted to carry on in the Firth of Forth?

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Colville)

This matter is being discussed with the naval authorities, and I am not yet in a position to make any announcement.

Mr. Stewart

Will the right hon. Gentleman remind the First Lord of the Admiralty of his pledge given to the House last week when he said: I feel absolutely bound to do everything possible to prevent the needs of the Admiralty and the Navy from ill-using or unduly uupsetting this invaluable industry."— [OFFICIAL REPORT, 1st November, 1939; col. 1908, Vol. 352.] Will my right hon. Friend press on the First Lord of the Admiralty the urgency of coming to a decision?

Mr. Colville

I am sure that my right hon. Friend is fully aware of these considerations. I would point out that the main part of this fishing does not begin until about the new year.