§ Sir D. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware of the increasing difficulties confronting the trawling industry in Aberdeen and of the large number of trawlers laid up; and whether he has any further statement to make on this subject?
§ Mr. ElliotThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries and I received on the 18th June a deputation from the British Trawlers' Federation and discussed with them the situation of the industry. We are at present awaiting further information which the deputation agreed to furnish.
§ Sir D. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the resolution passed in Aberdeen on the 17th instant by the Aberdeen Skippers and Mates Association; whether the information he has confirms the statements made therein regarding the state of the industry; and whether any action is proposed on the matter?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received a copy of the resolution referred to, and am considering it along with a memorial submitted by the British Trawlers' Federation. With regard to the last two parts of the question I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer which I have just given.