HC Deb 09 June 1953 vol 516 cc2-3W
55. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what outlets, by way of reduction to oil and meal and export, are available for Shetland herring; and whether he will instruct the Herring Industry Board that landings of herring shall not be limited.

Mr. J. Stuart

The sales of cured herring which the Herring Industry Board expect to make have enabled them to arrange with curers in Shetland to cure as many herring of suitable quality as they can. Herring surplus to requirements of the curers and other buyers, including the Board's quick-freezing and kippering factory, are purchased by the Board for reduction to oil and meal up to the capacity of the reduction factory —some 2,300 crans per week with storage for an additional 3,150 crans.

The Board have a duty under the Herring Industry Scheme, 1951, to regulate the fishing when supplies are likely to exceed available outlets and I could not, therefore, instruct the Board not to do so when circumstances demand.