§ 3. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply has been given by the Home Department to the letter from the Scottish Herring Producers' Association of 12th July, requesting assistance for herring fishermen in obtaining fishing gear.
§ Mr. WoodburnThe Association have been informed that there are no powers 1130 under which the 50 per cent. subsidy they requested towards the cost of gear and coal for herring fishing can be paid, but, in case of need, grants up to one-third of the cost may be made to individual fishermen for the provision of gear. Costs of fishing gear and of fuel are taken into account when the maximum prices for herring are fixed by the Minister of Food, who is, I understand, considering whether any revision is justified in the light of the representations made by the Association.
§ Mr. StewartIn view of the latter part of the Minister's answer, which is important, does the right hon. Gentleman mean that, possibly, a special meeting might be arranged between his Department, the Ministry of Food and the fishermen to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. WoodburnThe Association has made representations, and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food is considering these. That being so, I think we had better await the negotiations.