§ 38. Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what reply he has given to the letter addressed to him on 27th January by the Scottish Inshore White Fish Producers' Association, drawing attention to the recent further increase in the cost of seine net rope and its harmful consequences.
Mr. McNeilPrices of ropes are kept under review by the Central Price Regulation Committee, but the Government do not control the price of sisal. We are now considering the release of dollars for the purchase of a limited quantity of manilla from which gear having a longer life can be made. I am writing to the Association more fully in this sense and I am sending the hon. Member a copy of my letter.
§ Mr. StewartDoes that mean that the Government feel that they are quite powerless to put any brake whatever upon this galloping increase in the price of the fishermen's gear?
Mr. McNeilI have pointed out repeatedly that the Government, with the co-operation of the trade, were keeping this continuously under exacting review, but over the raw material price, which is determined from outside, we have no direct control.