HC Deb 22 February 1939 vol 344 cc382-3W
Mr. Henderson Stewart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the total catch of herring and the total number of drifters employed during the summer and autumn fishings in each of the years 1931, 1936, 1937 and 1938?

Mr. Colville

The total catch and numbers of drifters were approximately as follow:

1. Scottish Summer Fishing (excluding the Clyde area):
—— 1931 1936 1937 1938.
Total Catch Crans 451,362 573,026 454,571 554,928
Scottish Steam Drifters engaged 771 501 448 387
Scottish Motor Drifters over 55 feet overall engaged (estimated). 220 170 156 160
English Steam Drifters engaged 299 275 228 202
In addition approximately 200 smaller Scottish motor-vessels engaged in drift-net fishing for herring in each of the four years.
2. English Autumn Fishing (East Anglia):
—— 1931. 1936. 1937. 1938.
Total Catch Crans 638,506 564,525 664,179 524,111
English Steam Drifters engaged 372 295 300 273
English Motor Drifters engaged 2 3 4 4
Scottish Steam Drifters engaged 727 487 437 382
Scottish Motor Drifters engaged 78 66 61 66
3. In addition the following quantities of herring were landed during the Summer and Early Autumn on the North-East Coast of England:
—— 1931. 1936. 1937. 1938.
Total Catch Crans 138,935 99,830 138,103 93,275
The numbers of drifters engaged in this fishing are not available.