§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has considered the report of Mr. Andrew Anderson on his recent tour of herring ports on the Continent; and what action it is proposed to take to meet the serious criticisms contained therein?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe reply to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The report referred to was made to the Herring Industry Board who inform me that they have issued copies to curers and exporters and called their attention to the points mentioned in it. The board will, through their inspectors and local officers, exercise a strict supervision with a view to eliminating practices detrimental to the trade and maintaining the high standards and reputation of British cured herring.
§ Mr. Kennedyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, and when, action is to be taken by the Herring Industry Board for the improvement of the methods of distribution in the herring industry?
§ Mr. ColvilleI am informed by the Herring Industry Board that they are directing attention in the first place to the questions of increasing the demand for herring and of ensuring that the quality placed on the market is satisfactory. They are also considering measures for improving the organisation for selling to markets overseas and have certain experiments in view to test the possibilities in certain countries where trade is at present small.
As regards the home market the Board believe that an increase in the consumption of herring is possible and they are 1124W satisfied that the various propaganda measures instituted by them are having a definite effect in that direction. When their examination of the marketing position is further advanced the Board will be prepared to consider the carrying out of such experiments as seem justified and are within their powers.
§ Mr. Loftusasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many applications have been received from Scottish ports for grants for the building of new motor boats under the Herring Industry Act, 1938; and how many grants have been authorised?
§ Mr. ColvilleThirty-two applications have been received from Scottish ports and up to the end of June grants had been provisionally approved by the Ministers in 12 of these cases. In five cases the applications were withdrawn and in seven cases the applicants did not fulfil the conditions of eligibility. Eight cases are still under consideration.