§ 22. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the conference held in Aberdeen on 21st May, 1956, to devise plans for according practical training to new recruits for the trawling and fishing industry generally; that the conference was attended by representatives of the Scottish Education Department as well as by representatives of many sides of the fishing industry; and if he will make a statement on its aims and plans and the aid which his Department will give this work.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Henderson Stewart)This conference was convened by Aberdeen education authority to explore the possibility of setting up a course of the pre-apprenticeship type to give practical training to boys entering the trawling side of the fishing industry. It recommended that further examination of the problems should be carried out by a working party. My right hon. Friend's Departments will continue to give any assistance that may be required in planning a course and any expenditure on such a course would receive the usual 60 per cent. grant.
§ Mr. HughesWhilst thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask whether he realises that this was a con- 1140 structive and realistic attempt to solve urgent problems relating to the fishing industry? Will he specify what help he is giving to implement the decisions arrived at at that conference?
§ Mr. StewartAs I said, the conference decided to set up a working party to examine the details. We shall help in any way we can.