HL Deb 28 September 1976 vol 374 cc169-70

2.41 p.m.

Lord BOOTHBY

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will take all necessary steps to ensure that the harbour and fishing industry of Peterhead will not be adversely affected by the rapid development of the oil and petrochemical industries.

The MINISTER of STATE, SCOTTISH OFFICE (Lord Kirkhill)

Yes, my Lords. The importance of the fishing industry at Peterhead is well known to Her Majesty's Government. My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, as harbour authority for the Bay Harbour at Peterhead, has always been concerned to ensure that developments there should not have any adverse effect on the interests of the fishing industry.

Lord BOOTHBY

My Lords, while thanking the Minister for that reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there is great anxiety on the part of the fishermen in Peterhead lest their operations be hindered and ultimately even brought to an end by the tankers and subsidiary craft of the oil industry, and that they will be very relieved to hear his reply?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, I am aware that there is some concern among the fishing interests at Peterhead. The noble Lord might like to know that, at the recent public inquiry, Government evidence was given to the effect that it has always been a primary concern of the Secretary of State for Scotland that there should be as little disruption as possible to the present traffic of the port, with fishing vessels regarded as particularly important in this respect; in particular, any major movement of fishing vessels going to sea or returning to catch a market will have priority.

Baroness WARD of NORTH TYNESIDE

My Lords, having regard to the Minister's helpful reply to the noble Lord, Lord Boothby, may I ask whether he is aware that the whole of the fishing industry requires a great deal of consideration? May I have an assurance from him, speaking on behalf of the Government, that everything possible is being done to help the fishing industry in the very difficult situation in which it finds itself?

Lord KIRKHILL

My Lords, there is no question but that, at the present time and, surely, at all times, the fishing industry is central to positive Government analysis and thinking.