HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 cc1652-3
43. Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed to establish further fishmeal factories in the Western Highlands which are needed for development of agriculture in the area.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The Herring Industry Board were recently refused planning permission to convert a disused building at Ullapool for herring oil and meal production and are now exploring alternative arrangements. The Board propose to instal additional equipment at their Stornoway factory for the production of herring meal and have recently submitted proposals for other factories in the Highlands which are now being examined.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind that the sooner this is proceeded with the better? Recently fishmeal was unobtainable in many parts of the west of Scotland while, at the same time, one was reading reports that the fishmeal factory at Stornoway was glutted.

Mr. Stewart

Yes, Sir, we are anxious to proceed with this as quickly as possible.