FROM THE ARCHIVES

25 YEARS AGO EC trade ministers are today expected to agree on new laws to preserve the British potato crisp from EC interference. Brussels Commissioner Martin Bangemann had originally proposed to ban the use in crisps of artificial sweeteners, which would have meant that manufacturers could no longer produce popular flavours such as sweet and sour and prawn cocktail. Intense pressure from Britain forced Mr Bangemann to back down, and to withdraw his claim that the crisps were a health threat. 50 YEARS AGO The Treasury announce in connection with the cut in the holiday travel allowance that in addition to the £50 per person there will be an allowance of £25 for a car and £15 for a motor cycle. For the 12 months starting November 1, the basic allowance of £50 per person for private travel to countries outside the sterling area will have to cover all foreign exchange expenditure. 100 YEARS AGO We understand that the permit forms to travel in the prohibited area of Scotland north and west of Inverness will be ready in a few days.

They will be distributed to the principal police offices in Scotland.

Persons desiring to enter the restricted area must apply personally for a permit to the police authorities of the place in which they are ordinarily resident, and must accompany their application with a photograph of themselves. 150 YEARS AGO Ayr - Herrings - On Wednesday last the takes were very numerous, the average brought into the harbour by each of the Ayr boats being about 2000.

Early in the morning the fish brought as high as 7s. 6d. per hundred, but towards the afternoon they were selling at 3s. 6d. Although the takes were not so large yesterday as on Wednesday, herrings are still selling at from 3s. to 3s. 6d. per hundred.