§ 14. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland in view of the satisfactory results which flowed to the Aberdeen fishing industry from the Inter national Fisheries Trade Fair held in Copenhagen in September, 1957, if he will now promote a similar international fisheries trade fair in Scotland; and what are his present plans to extend Scottish products in this way.
§ The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)As the hon. and learned Member knows, I passed on his suggestion for an international fisheries trade fair in Scotland to the Scottish Council (Development and Industry). I understand, however, that the Council is at present unable to undertake any further commitments.
§ Mr. HughesWill the Secretary of State bear in mind that such a fair may have three important results: it may pave the way towards agreement on territorial waters, a much disputed matter; it may reduce international tension over fisheries; and it may result in the creation of new markets on a reciprocal basis between the Scandinavian countries and Britain?
§ Mr. MaclayI doubt whether a single trade fair would go far in achieving these very admirable aims. I am sure that Scottish merchants need no encouragement from me to advertise the high quality of their fish in markets overseas.