31. Mr. W. H. K. Bakerasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the progress made in the fishing industry in Scotland with regard to catching power; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BuchanI am reasonably satisfied with the steady growth overall in the weight and value of the Scottish catch.
Mr. BakerWill the Minister say what specific proposals he has for increasing commercial fishing by the Scottish fishing fleet, particularly in relation to the letter which I recently sent to him?
§ Mr. BuchanI have received a large number of letters from the hon. Gentleman in the last few days, and I do not know which one he is referring to. [Laughter.] I mean this genuinely. The White Fish Authority has launched a publicity scheme which will help on the market side, and our increase of grants and loans on vessels to the 90 per cent. level should help on the catching side.