§ Mr. Garro Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that a large number of skippers and mates of steam trawlers in Aberdeen, over the period April to June, inclusive, received wages of less than £3 per week 584W and that a substantial number received average wages over this period of less than £2 per week; that a large number of masters, mates, and crews are losing their employment owing to the laying-up of unprofitable trawlers, and that this situation is bringing distress upon a valuable class of industrial workers; and whether he contemplates any immediate measures to meet the situation?
§ Mr. ElliotI have received statements from the Aberdeen Skippers and Mates Association which show in a considerable proportion of cases rates of remuneration such as those mentioned in the question; I am also aware that it is unfortunately the case that a considerable number of trawlers are at present laid up at that port. As regards the last part of the question I would refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 29th June to the hon. Member for South Aberdeen (Sir J. Thomson). I am still awaiting the information referred to in these answers.