HC Deb 23 March 1948 vol 448 cc2741-2
2. Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the winter herring fishing in the Firth of Forth has again been a failure; and what steps are being taken to investigate the conditions of the Firth of Forth, with a view to discovering the possible causes of the changes in the movement of herrings in this area.

Mr. Woodburn

I am aware that the current herring season in the Firth of Forth has been most disappointing. The herring research vessel "Clupea" has been working intensively for the last month investigating conditions in the area. She will continue observations in the Forth until after the normal spawning season and will then continue research on the problem in other areas. It may, however, be some time before any firm conclusions can be drawn.

Mr. Stewart

Is the Secretary of State in a position to indicate the sort of research work that the vessel is doing?

Mr. Woodburn

It is rather difficult to discover why the fish have suddenly left the Forth, or what are the reasons for the movement. The vessel is conducting research into that, as far as it can be done.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that some of the most beautiful seashore in the Forth area is now a mass of black and red from the pits there? Can nothing be done to stop this? It is bound to have an effect on herring throughout the Forth area.

Mr. Woodburn

The pits have been there for a long time and the herring have not moved previously, so that cannot be considered to be a new factor.