HC Deb 29 February 1944 vol 397 cc1240-1
37. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will set up a committee to inquire into the general condition and the financial position of the Fishinģ ports and harbours in Scotland and to make recommendations with the object of ensuring that they are adequately developed and maintained in a proper state of efficiency after the war.

Mr. Johnston

The condition of fishery piers and harbours throughout Scotland is kept under constant review by visiting officers of the Scottish Home Department and financial assistance is provided where necessary to enable essential repairs to be carried out. In addition assistance has been given in certain cases to the local authorities concerned under the Government scheme for ensuring the maintenance of essential local services. The future of these harbours will be considered in connection with the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Herring Industry and the Report of the Committee which is at present considering the special problems of the Scottish white Fishinģ industry.

Mr. Boothby

In considering the future of the Fishinģ industry, will my right hon. Friend bear in mind the vital necessity of keeping the ports and harbours in a good state of efficiency after the war, and therefore of writing off their pre-war debts?

Mr. Johnston

To the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question I can give an affirmative answer. Of the second part, I should like notice.