§ Mr. M. MacMILLANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any report has been or is to be made following the visits and investigations of Commander Fisher and other Government officials in the outer isles, with a view to reviving the local fishing industry; and whether such a report is to be made public and, if not, upon what grounds?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe results of the investigations by the Departmental officers referred to in the question have been reported to me. These investigations were of a confidential nature and for that reason the reports have not been made public.
§ Sir E. FINDLAYasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the copy sent to him of the resolution passed by a mass meeting of Buckie fishermen calling attention to the serious condition of the herring industry; what action he proposes to take; and whether, in considering the problem, he will have in mind the importance of a prosperous fishing community to the supply of recruits for the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve?
§ Sir G. COLLINSAs regards the first two parts of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply which was given on Tuesday last to a similar question by the hon. Member for West Fife (Mr. Gallacher). With regard to the last part, I will certainly keep fully in mind 675W my hon. Friend's point as to the supply of recruits from the fishing community for the Royal Navy and Royal Naval Reserve.