§ 44. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that there are passages in the National Plan which envisage a decline in the Scottish inshore fishing industry; and what is Government policy on this matter.
§ Mr. RossThe National Plan predicts a continued saving of manpower in the fishing industry; and there is a likelihood of some decline in Scottish while fish production from the very high figures which have in the last two years resulted from abnormally favourable natural conditions. But Government policy is to maintain the catching power of the fleet, including the Scottish inshore fishing fleet, and to improve its efficiency by assisting further modernisation.
§ Mr. GrimondIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that these statements causes dismay in the north of Scotland and that the National Plan says that the industry will have great difficulty holding its own when it could be one of the great expansive industries of the North?
§ Mr. RossWe must, first, get the measure of modernisation that is required in relation to modern catching methods. We must keep the Scottish fleet up to date. That, in itself, may lead to the employment of fewer men, but to keep the fleet's 2101 catching power up will be our objective at the start. If there is a possibility of expansion we will go on with that, and it may well be that we may have some news affecting the Highlands and Islands before this week is out.