HC Deb 18 March 1952 vol 497 cc2089-90
28. Captain Duncan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will instruct the White Fish Authority to publish the details of their flat rate scheme for the transportation of fish as soon as they have been worked out.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Authority tell me that they are anxious to publish their draft scheme as soon as it is ready.

Captain Duncan

Is the Minister aware that the present uncertainty is very prejudicial not only to the industry but also to consumers all over the country, and will he do something to expedite the publication of this scheme?

Mr. Stuart

The White Fish Authority have not been in existence for very long, and I do not think that they have been very slow.

Mr. J. Grimond

Can the right hon. Gentleman give any idea when the scheme may be put into operation, and will he urge on the Herring Board that they should draw up a similar scheme?

Mr. Stuart

The Herring Board are considering their problems, but that is a different question. I have not yet seen the proposals of the White Fish Authority.

Lady Tweedsmuir

Can my right hon. Friend give an indication when he expects the scheme to be put forward''

Mr. Stuart

I do not know the exact date, but I think that it ought to be in the near future.