§ 28. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange with the White Fish Authority for further experiments into the catching and processing of dogfish and basking sharks.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartLast year the Authority financed an experimental voyage for catching porbeagle sharks and have published a full report. The Authority is also looking into the possibility of developing a basking shark fishery and will be glad to consider any proposals which interested fishermen may wish to make for the commercial development of these fisheries.
§ Mr. GrimondIs not the difficulty the disposal of the catch? Is it not true that the Norwegians make hundreds of thousands of pounds out of these fish caught in Scottish waters? Will the hon. Gentleman see if he can arrange, with private firms perhaps, for the disposal of the catch in this country?
§ Mr. StewartThat is exactly what the Authority is trying to do. It has made 1126 its examination and is in touch with local catchers and processers, but we have not met the enterprising firms who will take on the job.