HC Deb 23 June 1955 vol 542 cc1503-4
Sir R. Boothby

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the herring fleets now prosecuting the summer fishing at Fraserburgh and Peterhead have been tied up as a result of a dispute between the fishermen and the Herring Industry Board; what is the present position, and what action he is taking in the matter.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Henderson Stewart)

I understand that fishermen at Fraserburgh and Peterhead decided not to put to sea on 21st and 22nd June because they considered that restrictions imposed by the Herring Industry Board operated more severely on them than on vessels fishing from Aberdeen. I am assured by the Board that this is not so and that owing to the different method of operation from Aberdeen the restrictions imposed there took a different form. The position has been fully explained to the fishermen, and I understand that they have decided to resume fishing. As the congestion which caused the original restrictions has not yet been cleared, the Board have directed that only half the fleet at Peterhead and Fraserburgh should go to sea tonight and tomorrow night and that equivalent restrictions should continue at Aberdeen. I understand the fishermen have accepted this ruling.

Sir R. Boothby

While thanking my hon. Friend for his answer, which is welcome, may I ask whether he would consider going to these ports himself and examining this problem and similar problems which have been giving rise to difficulties? And also whether he can do anything to expedite the completion of the fish-meal factory at Peterhead?

Mr. Stewart

I am going out to sea next week. [Hoist. MEMBERS: "Hear, hear."] No doubt I will be meeting the fishermen and will get to understand this problem more fully. As regards the delay in the completion of the new factory at Peterhead, a number of causes are adduced by the Herring Industry Board, but perhaps I may be able to examine that, too, next week.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is the Minister aware that his visit to Aberdeen will be much appreciated and that when he gets there we hope he will realise that there are more problems to be investigated than have been adumbrated?

Mr. J. MacLeod

Is my hon. Friend aware that it is because of the shortage of herring-meal factories that the present position has arisen? Can he ensure that more factories are put up in these areas, for instance in Avoch, in my constituency?

Mr. Stewart

More factories are being planned, but one of the main reasons for the recent trouble in the North-East was that the curing season, which ought to have begun by custom by 21st June, could not be started because the condition of the herring was not such as to make them acceptable for curing.

Mr. Ross

Instead of the Joint Under-Secretary going to sea, would it not be far better to send the Secretary of State for Scotland? We never see him here or hear him.