§ 23. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why herrings, consigned by the Herring Industry Board to the oil plant on Wick Harbour, are sent by road or rail from Fraserburgh and Peterhead instead of by sea which woud be quicker and cheaper.
§ Mr. J. StuartHerring from Fraserburgh and Peterhead are sent only occasionally to the reduction factory at Wick and it is cheaper to use rail or road transport than to keep suitable ships standing by against this contingency. The use of fishing vessels is also more expensive as it involves the loss of one or two nights' fishing.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs not it the case that there will be no need to keep ships standing by? Would not it be simple to wireless the fishing fleet, which is generally fishing halfway between Wick and Fraserburgh, and pay the men 5s. a cran more to discharge at Wick rather than subject the herrings to a journey of 300 miles, tearing up the roads, and at high cost to the taxpayer?
§ Mr. StuartA very small number of crans of herring have proceeded to Wick by road or rail. I really do not think that this is a matter which necessitates any change in the present practice.
§ Sir D. RobertsonWill my right hon. Friend look again at the information he has received, because to my certain knowledge there have been 300 road vehicles on this job on one shipment?
§ Mr. StuartThat is news to me. If the hon. Member will give me the information I will certainly look into it.