asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the exploitation of blue whiting in waters off the coast of Scotland.

Interest in the commercial exploitation of blue whiting is expected to increase during the coming season. The Fisheries Departments are working closely with the White Fish Authority and the Highlands and Islands Development Board in encouraging this interest. Vessels attached to these organisations and to the Departments have begun a further catching programme in order to study the distribution of stocks, and the development of suitable filleting machinery is being pursued.