§ 25. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for the establishment of a committee of inquiry into the state of the fishing industry in Scotland.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that before the election many fishermen in Scotland were under the impression that his hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State had assured them that such a committee of inquiry would be set up if the Labour Party were returned to power? Is he further aware that in "Signposts for Scotland" it was stated that the size and shape of the Scottish fishing industry would be examined as a matter of the utmost urgency? Is this yet another of the Labour Party's post-dated cheques which they are now declining to honour?
§ Mr. RossI know that the hon. Member does not speak with a Scottish accent, but I hope that he can understand me when I tell him, "Don't pick us up before we fall". A review does not necessarily mean a committee of inquiry. If he is au fait with what has been happening since we became the Government, he will appreciate that we announced a few days ago a vessel improvement scheme which will be a considerable help. He should also be aware from previous Answers given that we are presently reviewing the grant and loan assistance available for the purchase of fishing vessels and that we are considering proposals for introducing a statutory scheme of minimum prices. This review is a continuing process. It may well be that after we have done all these things we shall want to have a further review, and we shall not hesitate from it, but we have already taken urgent action. If he is in touch with his own fishermen he should know that my noble Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State saw the Arbroath fishermen about 10 days ago and had a full discussion with them, and he should know that the Scottish fleet had a very good year last year.
§ Lady TweedsmuirHas the Secretary of State received representations from the seine net fishermen on the north-east coast of Scotland about the new berthing 475 scheme introduced into Aberdeen at the weekend? Is he aware that this scheme has been approved by the Aberdeen Harbour Board and the Aberdeen Town Council but that it is causing consideraable concern, and as it is only on a three months' trial period, will he get the parties to come together to try to settle this matter among themselves?
§ Mr. RossIf the noble Lady would like to put down a Question on that subject, I should be delighted to answer it.
§ Mr. Hector HughesBefore setting up any inquiry such as that suggested in the Question, will the Secretary of State take care to consult the authoritative body representing the fishing industry not only about the desirability of setting up such inquiry but also about its terms of reference? May I also thank the Secretary of State for the Answer which he has given?
§ Mr. RossI assure my hon. and learned Friend that we shall consult all the bodies which have an interest in this matter.
§ Lady TweedsmuirIs the Secretary of State aware that this Question refers to an inquiry into the state of the fishing industry? In his reply he suggested that I should put down a question on the matter. Is he aware that a letter has been sent to him from the seine net fishermen? I am asking him whether he is aware of the facts, and it appears from what he has said that he is not aware of them.
§ Mr. RossIf the noble Lady wants an answer to a detailed question about Aberdeen, she should put it on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneOn a point of order. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.