§ 14. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the size of the Scottish herring drift net fleet in 1946; and what is its size today.
§ Mr. StodartIn 1946 there were approximately 444 steam and motor vessels registered in Scotland mainly engaged in drift net fishing for herring. The latest comparable figure is for 1963 when 104 motor vessels were so engaged. However, the number of drifters varies seasonally, and in both years the maximum number of boats engaged in drift net fishing at any one time, and also the number of boats engaged in drift net fishing at some time of the year, would have been greater than the figures I have given.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonIs my hon. Friend aware that these basic figures show a very considerable decline in the basic number of the herring drift net fleet? Will not he take steps to ensure that there is a basic level on which the industry can thrive and prosper, not only for the sake of the fishermen themselves but also for the sake of the inshore based industry which has been built up on these fish?
§ Mr. StodartI agree that there has been a considerable change since 1946 and that drift net fishing in recent years has been on a smaller scale than it was then. One must remember that in 1946 there was a general shortage of protein foods and consequently a very much greater market for the British herring catch than exists today. The number of drifters at work varies. There are now about 870 Scottish dual-purpose boats capable of fishing for either herring or white fish, as the fishermen choose.