§ Mr. Sloanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that considerable quantities of herring were recently dumped into the sea on the Ayr- 240W shire coast; and whether he has any explanation to offer regarding this wastage?
§ Mr. WestwoodYes, Sir. My right hon. Friend finds on inquiry that during the summer season herrings were thrown back into the sea on the Ayrshire coast on one occasion in June. The quantity involved was 180 crans, or 1 per cent. of the total landings in the area during the season. He is informed that the herrings in question were small immature fish which were already in bad condition when the market opened at 6.30 a.m. My right hon. Friend is informed that the Minister of Food is reviewing the whole position in order to see what further arrangements can be made to facilitate the marketing of herrings.