HC Deb 18 October 1949 vol 468 cc469-70
27. Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will authorise the erection of outhouses for council tenants in coastal villages where the provision of shelter for line baiting and of storage facilities for fishing gear is essential.

Mr. Woodburn

Yes, Sir. I am prepared to consider any plans submitted by local authorities in which provision is made for special accommodation for fishermen's gear. I have already agreed to this in several cases.

Mr. Thornton-Kemsley

Why should there be this long delay? Is the Minister aware that a great many of the Cruden houses and others erected long ago by county councils have no outhouses because they are prevented from putting them up by his own Department of Health and that, as a consequence, the fishermen are baiting their gear in the houses themselves?

Mr. Woodburn

I think the hon. Gentleman must be mistaken. For instance, in his own constituency where the county council have put forward these propositions, my Department have agreed to them. I would like the hon. Gentleman to give me details of any contrary decision.