§ 23. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what action he has taken on the representations made by town councils of fishing burghs for priority in materials and manpower to be accorded to the building of houses for fishermen.
§ Mr. WoodburnNo special preference is given to the housing of fishermen, because the manning of the industry does 190 not in general involve the movement of families from one locality to another, as is so often the case in mining, agriculture and certain industries in the Development Areas. I am, however, prepared to consider the special circumstances of particular fishing areas, where it can be shown that the lack of houses is in fact hampering necessary recruitment from other areas.
§ Mr. StewartDoes the Minister accept the principle that fishermen, being food producers, are entitled to the same privileges as agricultural workers?
§ Mr. WoodburnWe certainly appreciate the importance of fishermen and the work they are doing, but most of them are working from their own places, and there is not the same necessity for rapid recruitment to the fishing industry as there is in the case of mining and agriculture.