§ 4. Sir R. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will now announce the policy of Her Majesty's Government with regard to the herring fishing industry.
§ Lord John HopeThe Government are considering certain proposals by the Herring Industry Board, but my right hon. Friend is not yet ready to make a statement.
§ Sir R. BoothbyDoes my hon. Friend realise that the position of the herring industry at the moment is bad and is rapidly deteriorating? Does he realise the urgent necessity of announcing whatever policy the Government have in mind well before the commencement of the summer fishing?
§ Lord John HopeYes, Sir. I am well aware of the extreme seriousness of the position.
§ Mr. Edward EvansIs the hon. Member aware of the disastrous results, very important to the East Anglian herring fishing in the last two seasons, of the attraction of the white fish trawling industry which deflects men from the herring industry? That difficulty is due to the subsidy provisions under the White Fish Authority scheme. Will he consider using a similar incentive for herring fishing to recruit and retain men in that industry?
§ Lord John HopeI can say no more than I have said. We are fully aware of the seriousness of the situation.