2. Major Lloydasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the proportion of the landings of white fish in England and Wales during the years 1919 to 1939, inclusive, compared with the corresponding landings in Scotland during the same period; and what reasons he is able to give to account for the disparity?
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. T. Johnston)In the 25 years prior to 1939 the landings of white fish by British vessels in England and Wales showed an increase of approximately 50 per cent. The increase was primarily due to the development from the Humber ports of fishings in far distant waters. During the same period the landings in Scotland fell by approximately 10 per cent. That decline is attributable to a variety of causes, including diminution of the stocks of fish in the nearer waters in 978 which the Scottish trawlers worked and to the low prices realised for the fish. I take a very serious view of the comparative position shown by these figures, and I have invited the Scottish Council on Industry to consider in consultation with leading trade representatives the special problems of the industry in Scotland and to advise on the best means of dealing with the situation after the war.
Major LloydWhile thanking my right hon. Friend for the very full answer, may I ask him for an assurance that everything possible will be done to emphasise the deplorable way in which Scotland has been treated in this matter, as it is typical of many other instances where Scotland comes in second best?
§ Mr. JohnstonDuring the war the figures are showing a tendency in the upward direction. The hon. and gallant Member's Question asked for the figures pre-war. I can say that the position is slightly improved now.