HC Deb 11 March 1958 vol 584 cc214-5
22. Mr. Malcolm MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps the Herring Industry Board is taking to develop herring processing in the Isle of Barra; what financial aid is being given by his Department towards the cost of construction of a pier at the north end of the island and in Eriskay; and what other measures he is taking to revive the fishing industry in the two islands.

Lord John Hope

The Board has taken no steps because it does not consider that a processing plant on Barra could be economic.

No financial aid for either pier and no special measures with regard to the fishing industry are contemplated at present.

Mr. MacMillan

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is a pretty deplorable record for any Department to have to publish? Is he aware that there is no manufacturing industry on the island, that there is no regular insurable employment, and that there is only small-scale crofting, which provides no livelihood for the men concerned, who have to go to the ends of the earth in the Merchant Navy in order to get jobs at all? Cannot he take some sort of action and initiative, as one of the proprietors in this area, to promote a revival of this industry which fits naturally into the way of life of the area

Lord John Hope

Nobody can gainsay the economic facts of life on the island as they exist. With regard to the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, we should be very glad to see more advantage taken by the Barra fishermen of the facilities at Oban for storing and marketing lobsters under the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society.

Mr. MacMillan

The question relates mainly to herring fishing, and the Herring Industry Board has a responsibility here for which the hon. Gentleman is answerable in this House. Will he approach the Board and ask it to reconsider the whole question of reviving the fishing industry in Barra, in view of the fact that the Herring Industry Board has been complaining of the shortage of herring to meet the requirements of the market?

Lord John Hope

The important fact about herring, as far as Barra is concerned, is that they are not now found where they used to be.