Oral Answers to Questions — Scotland – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 11 November 1947.
Mr James Hutchison
, Glasgow Central
12:00,
11 November 1947
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any report of the Seaweed Research Association is now available; and whether any commercial production has resulted.
Mr Arthur Woodburn
, Clackmannan and Eastern
I am sending the hon. and gallant Member copies of the reports issued by the Scottish Seaweed Research Association for the years 1945 and 1946. The collection of seaweed by crofters and its sale for commercial purposes are being organised by the Scottish Agricultural Organisation Society as well as by a private company. A provisional board is examining further possibilities of commercial developments.
Mr James Hutchison
, Glasgow Central
Has this already resulted in any commercial exploitation?
Mr Arthur Woodburn
, Clackmannan and Eastern
Yes, Sir. The crofters have been gathering the seaweed for the last three years. The quantity is not as great as we might have hoped, but we are hoping that further research will make the whole scheme appear more lucrative and attractive to those engaged in it.
Secretary of State was originally the title given to the two officials who conducted the Royal Correspondence under Elizabeth I. Now it is the title held by some of the more important Government Ministers, for example the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.
