HC Deb 06 April 1954 vol 526 cc165-6
4. Sir R. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that no further progress has been made with the construction of the fishmeal and oil factory at Peterhead; and what is the cause of the delay.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The Herring Industry Board are in process of obtaining the necessary local consents and will commence work on the factory as soon as these are forthcoming.

Sir R. Boothby

How soon will these be forthcoming?

Mr. Stewart

Very soon. There is a certain amount of plan drawing to be done, and the local council has to give its final consent. Apart from that, it will not take long.

Mr. Rankin

I am glad to see that the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire has now come back to the House again.

Sir R. Boothby

The local council gave its consent long ago. It is very urgent that this factory should be set up in time for the summer fishing. Cannot my hon. Friend give a better assurance about it?

Mr. Stewart

My hon. Friend is wrong. Consent is required from three parties, the third of which is the town council. That consent cannot be given until the detailed plans have been prepared. That is now being done.