§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what discussions he has had with representatives of fish merchants in Aberdeen regarding the effects on perishable fish of the industrial action by members of the Transport and General Workers' Union; and if he will make a statement;
879W(2) what action he is taking to ensure that there are no obstacles to the processing of fish landed at Aberdeen and other Scottish ports because of picketing and other actions by members of the Transport and General Workers' Union; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Hugh D. Brown:My officials have been in daily contact with the Aberdeen Fish Merchants' Association since the commencement of the road haulage dispute. Generally, merchants are managing to use their own transport to move fish but those who normally employ road haulage contractors have had problems. Processors are also experiencing difficulties, but are still buying at most Scottish ports, including Aberdeen, and are managto transport some supplies to their processing plants.
Those in difficulty are being advised to discuss their problems with the appropriate strike liaison committee and if necessary thereafter to contact the Scottish Office emergency duty room.