§ 11. Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has made or intends to make to the Aberdeen Harbour Board regarding the new berthing arrangements recently introduced at Aberdeen fishing harbour.
§ Mr. RossNone, Sir. I am sorry that differences of opinion have emerged between the fishing interests using Aberdeen as a port of landing, but the conduct of the harbour is a matter for the duly constituted Harbour Board.
§ Mr. Bruce-GardyneIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that owing to the boycott now imposed on Aberdeen Harbour by the seine fishermen a very serious situation has arisen in northeast Scotland over the marketing of fish? Will he see whether his Department cannot in some way use its good offices to bring the different parties together, or, conceivably, urge the White Fish 588 Authority to use its good offices to solve this very worrying dispute?
§ Mr. RossWe have, of course, had some discussions with some of the people concerned, as the hon. Gentleman probably knows, and the White Fish Authority has itself offered to make its services available in this matter. However, this is basically a local dispute and I think it has to be settled locally. We do not want interference from the centre, further confusing the issue.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonI appreciate that point, but will the Secretary of State at least ensure that the Herring Industry Board and the White Fish Authority use their good offices to see that the marketing of fish is as efficient as possible at the smaller ports, which will have a greatly increased amount of landings at them while the present position obtains?
§ Mr. RossWe have already been looking at this matter, and I assure the hon. Gentleman that the facilities for the berthing of fishing vessels and the offshore unloading of catches are broadly adequate throughout Scotland as a whole.