HC Deb 19 June 1961 vol 642 cc93-4W
Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he is aware of the continuing losses being incurred by the Scottish middle water fishing fleet; and if he will convene an immediate meeting between his Department and representatives of the trawler owners to discuss future action and policy.

Mr. Maclay

I am aware that Scottish near and middle water trawlers had much less satisfactory results in 1960 than in 1959 primarily because of a scarcity of fish. My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I are in consultation with the industry about the issues arising from the Fleck Report; and have also set up a working group on which the trawler owners are represented to advise on the experimental work necessary to enable the industry to adapt itself to new conditions.