asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will refer the safety aspects of the Haddock (Restrictions on Landing) Order 1977 (S.I., 1977, No. 781) to the Health and Safety Executive.

The purpose of the order is to limit the quantities of ungutted haddock which may be landed. It has long been the practice of the industry to gut white fish catches at sea and there is no evidence that this practice has given rise to problems on safety.