§ 22. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that herring fishing from Wick by local craft has come to an end during the years of Herring Industry Board control; if he is satisfied with the situation, having 178 regard to the fact that Wick was formerly one of the largest herring ports in Europe; and what action he is taking in the matter.
§ Mr. J. StuartI am aware that, for several years, the Wick fishermen have apparently preferred to catch other kinds of fish. I cannot accept the suggestion that the responsibility for this rests with the Herring Industry Board. The Board seeks by any practicable means to encourage herring fishing from Wick as elsewhere. Its first oil and meal factory was built at Wick, and last year the Board hired a drifter to explore the Hoy grounds.
§ Sir D. RobertsonIs it possible that the Secretary of State is satisfied that, within the 18 years' existence of this Board which was formed to rehabilitate the herring industry, this industry has been brought to a complete end in my constituency, where it was once the greatest in Scotland?
§ Mr. StuartAs I have indicated, the fishermen have decided that they would do better in other ways, just as has happened in my own constituency, and I cannot order them to fish for herring.