§ Mr. John MacLeodasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why he refused permission for the building of a fishmeal factory at Avoch on the grounds that it would be a nuisance to residents, in view of the fact that the nearest residents who object are three miles distant from the proposed site.
§ Mr. J. StuartI have not refused permission for the building of a fishmeal factory at Avoch. The Government offered to meet the whole cost of building the factory and 75 per cent. of the cost of a pier, which would be necessary to enable fishing boats to land at Avoch. The Herring Industry Board, however, feels unable to proceed with the factory owing to objections from Fortrose Town Council and in the circumstances it seems clear that the pier must be abandoned, too. I have informed the county council of Ross and Cromarty that if the objections by Fortrose Town Council were withdrawn, I should be prepared to reconsider the matter in consultation with the Board.