§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial stake the Herring Industry Board holds in the purse-seine venture; and what percentage of cost in fitting out present vessels for purse-seining is being borne by the Board or the Government.
§ Mr. RossThe Board is making a grant of 50 per cent. to the owners of two vessels towards the cost of adapting their vessels and purchasing gear within maxima of £10,000 and £8,000. The owners are bearing the risk of the fishing results.
§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his policy is to permit Scottish herring fishermen to go all out for industrial fishing; what financial assistance he will allow them to buy the purse-seine net; and what consequences he foresees so far as herring stocks are concerned.
§ Mr. RossIf the first part of the question relates to the possible development by Scottish fishermen of purse-seine net fishing for herring, I see no268W reason at present to curb it; indeed, with the approval of the Government, the Herring Industry Board have given financial assistance to enable British fishermen to try out this method of fishing. Grants from public funds are not available towards the cost of purchasing purse-seine nets except for experimental purposes, but loans may be made at the discretion of the Board within the provision on the appropriate Vote.
The very large increase last year in the catch of herring by foreign purse-seine net boats in the Northern North Sea caused some concern about its effect on stocks and at the instigation of my Department this is being examined by scientists under the aegis of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; but until the question has been elucidated I see no reason why British fishermen should not engage in this method of fishing if they wish.