§ l2. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been drawn to the statement in the annual report of the Herring Industry Board that the refusal of Her Majesty's Government to allow close seasons to be prescribed by the Board has resulted in periodic deteriorations of quality which have had the effect of making the consumer dislike all herring and kippers, with a consequent decline in home demand; and whether Her Majesty's Government will now review the position in the light of the representations made by the Board.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartMy right hon. Friend has seen the statement in the Board's Report for 1953 that it is likely that representations will be made to Ministers during 1954 about close seasons for herring. No such representations have been made to the present Government; if they are, they will be carefully considered.
§ Sir R. BoothbyIs my hon. Friend aware that I have just returned from Holland where they do not allow any herring to be sold until they are in first-class condition? Is he aware that this happy situation arose a few days ago and now they are being sold and consumed with relish in the streets, where they far surpass ice-cream both in quality and popularity?
§ Mrs. MannIf what the hon. Member for Aberdeenshire, East (Sir R. Boothby) says is correct, can he explain why he always prefers salmon to herring?
§ Mr. DuthieWill my hon. Friend assure the House that in the event of the Herring Industry Board approaching the Government on this matter the views of fishermen, curers and processers will be taken into account before a decision is reached? Will he bear in mind that the application of close seasons in the herring industry will have a great bearing on the position of fishermen and seasonal workers?
§ Mr. StewartThese are very complicated problems, some of which have been referred to by my hon. Friend the Member for Banff (Mr. Duthie). All would have to be considered.