§ 5. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he proposes to increase the membership of the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board.
§ Mr. SoamesMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I are considering the future composition of these two bodies, including the possibility of varying the number of members, and we will make an announcement well before the end of this year, when the appointments of all but one of the present members expire.
§ Mr. JegerWould the right hon. Gentleman give a little urgency to this matter, in view of the fact that the record of these bodies in the past in connection with labour relations is not too good and they obviously need a specialist in dealing with the trade unions and their own workers?
§ Mr. SoamesI take note of what the hon. Gentleman says. I believe that these bodies have contributed beneficially to the fishing industry as a whole; but, as I say, I will make an announcement in the fulness of time on the new membership.