§ 32. Lady Tweedsmuirasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the flat rate transport system for fish will be retained when price control is lifted; and at what date will fish become decontrolled.
§ Mr. WoodburnI regret that I cannot at present add to the statement made by the Prime Minister on 24th October.
§ Lady TweedsmuirWill not the Secretary of State agree that the fishing industry in the north is seriously disturbed at the possible harmful effects of the removal of the flat rate transport system and that an early decision is therefore necessary? Can the right hon. Gentleman give any indication when he will be able to give the result of his investigations, as he has had this matter before him for a very long time?
§ Mr. WoodburnI shook my head to indicate that I could not.
§ Mr. Hector HughesIs my right hon. Friend aware that the flat rate and price control are not inseparably associated, and that the abolition of the flat rate would ruin the fishing trade in Aberdeen, causing great unemployment and suffering there? Will he give an assurance that the flat rate will not be abandoned?
§ Mr. WoodburnWith regard to the first part of the question the Government are aware of that.