§ 45. Sir D. Robertsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the falling price of fish meal brought about by excessive and unrestricted imports of Peruvian fish meal; and what steps he is taking to protect herring fishermen, whose catches frequently go to fish meal, from bearing the losses involved.
97W
§ Mr. LeburnMy right hon. Friend is aware that the increase in the production of fish meal in Peru has had a considerable effect on the world market for fish meal. This has affected the operations of the Herring Industry Board, who have informed the Government of their difficulties.
Pending a full review of the situation, the Board have been told that, if necessary, the Government will meet their losses on their oil and meal arrangements up to £30,000 during the period from 1st January to 31st May, 1960, so that during that period the schedule of prices which the Board pay to the fishermen for surplus herring may be maintained.