asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made with the construction of the fish-meal and oil factory at Peterhead; and if he will give an undertaking that it will be completed in time for the summer fishing of 1955.

The Herring Industry Board is about to obtain tenders for the adaptation of the building acquired for the factory. Some of the plant has been procured and most of the remainder should be delivered within the next few months. The Board has every reason to expect that the factory will be ready for the summer fishing of 1955, but I am not in a position to give an undertaking.