§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what communications he has received from the Scottish White Fish Association Limited and from other relevant organisations requesting an inquiry into fish prices and costs; and what steps he has taken and plans to take to deal with the requests so made.
§ Mr. RossI have received no such communication. The Association and the Scottish Trawlers' Federation have however asked me for a meeting to discuss the need for an early and favourable decision on the White Fish Authority's348W Minimum Prices Scheme for Scotland and Northern Ireland. Ministers have announced approval of the scheme in principle and stated that a further announcement will be made when consultations with the Authority have been completed. I do not think therefore that a meeting would be helpful.