§ 59. Mr. Boothbyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that the price for herring paid to the fishermen at Fraser-burgh, Buckle and Peterhead was recently reduced to 70s. per cran; and what action he proposes to take in the matter?
§ Mr. MabaneI am aware that as a consequence of heavy landings of herring at the Moray Firth ports recently the price of herring on landing has fallen below the maximum price to producers, namely 91s. per cran. These seasonal fluctuations in the landing of herring and consequential price movements cannot be avoided and my Noble Friend sees no reason for taking any action in the matter at the present time.
§ Mr. BoothbyIs my hon. Friend aware that the whole of the Scottish herring fleet was tied up last week owing to the prices offered and that there was a complete breakdown of the scheme? Does he not think it a scandal that fishermen should be deprived of a livelihood when the whole country would like to get herrings if they could?
§ Mr. MabaneThe hon. Member must realise that 91s. is a maximum price. The Department has indicated that it was prepared to receive representations from the fishermen on this matter, but no representations have yet been received.
§ Mr. Boothby1 beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment.