HC Deb 28 October 1952 vol 505 cc1734-6
43. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if a decision has now been reached on the flat-rate scheme for the carriage of fish.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. James Stuart)

Yes, Sir. The White Fish Authority announced on 16th October their decision not to proceed at present with a flat-rate transport scheme for white fish.

Mr. Grimond

Are we to take it that the possibility of assisting the fishing industry over the matter of freight has been finally turned down by the Government? Without injuring the nearer ports, would it not be possible to do something to assist the more remote areas, because the question of high freights is still a tremendous handicap on the industry in these areas and may deprive the people of the best quality fish?

Mr. Stuart

I fully realise that it is a matter which is causing great anxiety to these ports. It is essentially, in the first place, a matter for the White Fish Authority. The Government will, of course, view it with every sympathy, and I believe that the Scottish Committee of the Authority have put forward proposals for the improvement of marketing of white fish, which would affect Shetland and the outlying ports.

Lady Tweedsmuir

What were the considerations affecting the decision not to proceed with this scheme?

Mr. Stuart

It must be fairly clear that while the scheme would, of course, assist Aberdeen, it would not be so popular in certain large southern ports.

Mr. Law

May we not take it that here, as in other spheres, common sense is beginning to prevail?

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Secretary of State aware that this is a matter which should be taken up at Government level? The absence of a flat rate tends to ruin whole fishing communities, which are an asset to this country in both peace and war. Will the right hon. Gentleman have the matter looked into to see that justice is done?

Lady Tweedsmuir

Will my right hon. Friend confirm or deny whether the scheme was abandoned because of pressure from Hull?

Mr. Stuart

The White Fish Authority act for the whole of the United Kingdom. I cannot state all the considerations.

Mr. Hughes

May I have an answer to my question from the Secretary of State?

Mr. Speaker

We have passed from that.

Mr. Woodburn

On a point of order. I think that my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) put a perfectly courteous question, although the noble Lady, in her impatience, interrupted the Minister. I think that the Minister ought to be allowed to reply.

Mr. Speaker

If the Minister is willing to answer.

Mr. Stuart

I have replied.

Mr. Hughes

May I draw attention to the fact that this matter has been raised several times during the last fortnight but that this is the first supplementary question I have put during that time?

Mr. Speaker

I am perfectly well aware of the moderation of the hon. and learned Member.

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