§ 25. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress he has made in finding a solution to the difficulty caused by the fact that the White Fish Authority is limited in the extent of the loans it can advance because, under Scottish law, movable property is not regarded as a security.
§ Mr. MaclayI would refer the hon. and learned Member to the reply given by my right hon. and learned Friend the Lord Advocate to the hon. Lady the Member for Aberdeen, South (Lady Tweedsmuir) on 4th February.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Secretary of State consult with the Law Officers with a view to removing the obstacle mentioned in the Question? Does he realise that that obstacle prevents the proper expansion of the fishing industry, which would inure for the benefit not only of the industry, but of the consumers?
§ Mr. MaclayThe matter is, of course, one for the Lord Advocate. The question of security for movables has implications which go beyond the fishing industry and any change requires consideration, but I know well the point to which the hon. and learned Member refers.
§ Lady TweedsmuirCan my right hon. Friend say whether this question has already been referred to the Law Reform Committee? As that Committee has a great many subjects for consideration, can he give any indication when it will start a study of this one?
§ Mr. MaclayI am afraid that I must consult with the Lord Advocate before I reply to that.