HC Deb 30 June 1953 vol 517 cc182-3
13. Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland the plans of the Herring Industry Board for fish-meal processing at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; and what progress has been made with production of smaller plants, suitable for meal and oil processing or part-processing in such places as the Isle of Barra.

Mr. J. Stuart

The Herring Industry Board plan to replace the chemical reduction plant at their Stornoway factory by conventional cooking and pressing plant which will recover both meal and oil from the herring. While the Board follow up any technical advances likely to contribute towards the development of plant suitable for dealing with small quantities of herring, at present they know of no plant which they would be justified in providing at places where the landings are as small and spasmodic as in the Isle of Barra.

Mr. MacMillan

While appreciating that there are some technical difficulties in the case of Barra and the smaller places, would not the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is time the Herring Board extended their activities in the processing of oil and fishmeal at Stornoway so that there would be no need for restriction in the herring fishery? Is not it time that the plant was extended on a scale commensurate with that of the North Minch herring fishings based on the Stornoway area, which is the natural centre for such processing in Scotland.

Mr. Stuart

The Herring Board are considering these matters, and I will bring the comments of the hon. Member to their attention.

Lord Malcolm Douglas-Hamilton

Is any further consideration being given to the establishment of fishmeal factories at Mallig and Inverness?

Mr. Stuart

These matters have all been considered by the Herring Board. If the landings are at suitable places, it is our intention to continue it.