§ Mr. Boothbyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the impending shortage of meat, he is taking any steps to increase the supplies of fish; whether any extension of fishing areas is contemplated; and whether he will consult with the Admiralty and other departments with the object of increasing the number of craft and the quantity of labour, gear, containers and processing materials now available for the fishing industry.
Mr. JohnstonMeans of increasing fish supplies are under constant examination, while the re-opening of closed fishing grounds and the provision of additional706W vessels and crews are governed at present by service requirements. The Fishery Ministers and the Minister of Food are in close touch with the First Lord of the Admiralty regarding the position, and plans are being prepared to meet the situation which will arise at the end of the war. As my hon. Friend is aware, the Report of the Departmental Committee on the Herring Industry has recently been received and will shortly be published.