§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange an urgent meeting with the various organisations connected with the fishing industry in Scotland to discuss what action can be taken in the present crisis in the industry due to the limitation of quotas, the escalating costs of fuel for the vessels and the considerable increase in labour and gear costs.
§ Mr. YoungerMy noble Friend the Minister of State and I frequently meet representatives of the fishing organisations to discuss matters affecting the industry. My Department is also in regular contact with the industry and recently consulted it on the question of prices for 1980 under the EEC marketing regime. A further meeting on quotas is to be held on 23 November and discussions are shortly to take place with the Aberdeen Fishing Vessel Owners' Association to discuss the special difficulties of that port. I do not therefore consider that there is a need for a special meeting such as my hon. Friend proposes.