§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State- for Scotland whether, in view of the impact of high prices being paid by foreign klondykers upon the fish processing industry in Banff and Buchan and the consequent reduction in employment, he will take special measures to alleviate the situation.
§ Mr. John MacKayRecent landings of herring from the North Sea are part of the United Kingdom's initial allocation from the EC quota and the management arrangements for the fishery agreed by all sectors of the industry are designed to ensure that there is maximum human consumption of the catch. The prices paid are a reflection of market demand and the quality of the fish, and there is no evidence that prices paid by klondykers are forcing prices up.
My right hon. Friend does not see this as a situation calling for special measures to aid the fish processing industry.