§ 3. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a further statement on the arrangements made by the Herring Industry Board for the new herring season.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Lord John Hope)I have nothing yet to add to the Answer I gave the hon. Member on 24th March.
§ Mr. GrimondCan the hon. Gentleman say when he will be in a position to add 4 something to the previous Answer, and also whether he is discussing with the fishermen's associations the price of herring for fishmeal?
§ Lord John HopeAs the hon. Gentleman knows, representations from various sections of the industry have to be considered. I shall certainly provide an answer for the hon. Gentleman as soon as I possibly can.
§ 4. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date he received the letter sent to him by the Scottish Kipperers and Herring Freshers Association, protesting against the proposal of the Herring Industry Board to increase the minimum price of herring in the home market, and asking him to receive a deputation on the subject; what reply he has sent; and when and where he will receive the proposed deputation.
§ Lord John HopeThe letter was received on 23rd February. Representatives of the Association were subsequently invited to meet officials of my right hon. Friend's Department and did so on 12th March. My right hon. Friends are considering the views of the Association along with the proposals of the Board.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Under-Secretary realise that the proposed change will increase the cost to the processor by 10 per cent. and to the consumer by anything from ld. to 3d. a lb. of fish and will not be satisfactory to anyone except the Herring Industry Board?
§ Lord John HopeAll these relevant considerations are certainly taken into account while we are making up our minds about this.