§ 11. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has now received a Report from the Herring Industry Board on the working of the present share system in the herring fishing industry, the question of prices, and the financial structure of the industry as a whole, with particular reference to the burden of debt; what specific recommendations it contains; and what action he proposes to take.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Henderson Stewart)Yes, Sir, my right hon. Friend has received a Report from the Board of which I am sending my hon. Friend a copy. Further copies are available in the Vote Office. The Report concludes that the share system is sufficiently flexible to meet changing conditions, that there is no reason to suppose that the catcher is not getting his fair share of the price the consumer is willing to pay and that the general burden of debt is not unduly severe. It contains no specific recommendations but the Board will, with the co-operation of Government Departments, continue its efforts to promote the prosperity of the industry.
§ Sir R. BoothbyWill copies of the Report be available in the Vote Office tonight?
§ Mr. StewartYes Sir.
§ Sir R. BoothbyI thank my hon. Friend very much.