§ 13. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many fishing vessels were, during the last three months, diverted from the port of Aberdeen and with what tonnage of fish; why 2077 these diversions occurred; and what steps he is taking to prevent loss of this kind the city of Aberdeen in future.
Mr. FraserDuring the past three months 29,300 tons of fish were landed at Aberdeen as compared with 21,950 tons in the corresponding period in 1938. No diversion of fishing vessels from Aberdeen to other landing ports has been instructed. I am informed that during the past three months not more than 12 vessels, with a total catch of 633 tons, representing about 2 per cent of the total landings, proceeded to other British ports to land their catches because the persons in charge of the vessels considered that they could be unloaded sooner at these other ports. The Regional Port Director for Scotland has recently inquired into the facilities for handling catches at Aberdeen, and his report, in which recommendations are made with regard to labour and other facilities, has been accepted by the industry.
§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what delays have occurred during the last month in discharging fish arriving in the port of Aberdeen; how many vessels and what quantity of fish were involved; how much fish was thereby wasted; and what were the causes of these delays and wastages, respectively.
Mr. FraserI am informed that on eight days in November, when very heavy catches were brought in, out of I70 vessels with an aggregate catch of 4,500 tons, a total of 28 vessels, with an aggregate catch of 8I6 tons, were unable owing to the high level of landings to discharge for the first sale after arrival. I understand that all these vessels were discharged in time for the following day's sale, and that no waste of fish was involved.
§ 15. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what average quantity of fish was, during the last month, landed daily at Aberdeen Harbour; and whether he is satisfied that adequate gear and other facilities are avail able there to discharge promptly all the fish as it arrives in harbour.
Mr. FraserThe average quantity of fish landed at Aberdeen daily during November was 350 tons, as compared with 240 tons in November, 1938. As I have 2078 already stated, recommendations made by the Regional Port Director for Scotland with regard to the facilities available have recently been accepted by the industry.
§ Mr. HughesWould the Under-Secretary answer the part of the Question dealing with gear, and state whether he is satisfied that adequate gear and other facilities are available to discharge fish as it arrives in harbour?