§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware of the decline in the catches of North Sea haddock; and what steps he is taking to ascertain the cause of this decline and 26W to deal with the problem in view of its effect upon the Scottish fishing industry.
§ Mr. MaclayYes. Our researches show that the decline in catches is principally due to the fact that during the last three years natural recruitment to the fishable stocks has been less than in the immediately preceding years. In course of time we shall, I hope, know more about the factors controlling natural recruitment but mean time I fear I cannot influence the course of nature.