HC Deb 21 June 1892 vol 5 cc1745-6

Motion made, and Question proposed, That it is expedient to authorise the payment to the Fishery Board for Scotland, out of moneys to be provided by Parliament, of sums to be distributed by the Board among local sea fishery committees; and the payment, out of moneys to be provided by Parliament, of the personal and travelling expenses of the members of the Fishery Board, which may become payable under the provisions of any Act of the present Session for altering the constitution of the Fishery Board for Scotland, and amending the Law in regard to Sea Fisheries in Scotland."—(The Lord Advocate.)

DR. CLARK

I beg to move to report Progress, and that the Chairman ask leave to sit again. Our position is this: that a Bill bristling with controversial points has been introduced for the first time this day, and that we have had no time to put down Amendments and to get them discussed. There is also the Bill of the right hon. Member for Berwickshire. We are not agreed as to the composition of the Fishery Board, and nearly all the Members representing the fishery districts of Scotland are opposed to this proposal. There is also the question of representation. We are anxious to have some representation of Town Councils in fishery burghs. The members elected on the Boards should not be nominated, but elected by those engaged in the fishing industry. We have a number of Amendments to put down, but if the matter is rushed through in this fashion there will be no opportunity of discussing them.

Motion made, and Question proposed, "That the Chairman do report Progress, and ask leave to sit again."—(Dr. Clark.)

(4.56.) MR. A. J. BALFOUR

I have explained to the House what the position of the Government is in regard to this Bill. I admit that if its details require prolonged discussion, or, rather, if hon. Members insist upon discussion at any length, it will be impossible to proceed with the Bill this Session. In that case the responsibility will rest on those hon. Gentlemen who will deprive the fishermen of the benefits of this proposal, while waiting for a more perfect measure I would invite the hon. Member to put his Amendments on the Paper in order that the Government may see the extent of the opposition. If much discussion is required, of course the Government will not press the Bill forward, but I trust that the hon. Member will not pursue his opposition.

(4.58.) DR. CLARK

I would ask that the Committee stage should be postponed until Thursday, in order to admit of time for drafting Amendments.

(4.59.) MR. BALFOUR

If the hon. Member wishes to bring the Bill into accord with the measure of the right hon. Member for Berwickshire (Mr. Marjoribanks), I do not think it will be difficult to draft Amendments with that object.

Motion, by leave, withdrawn.

Original Question put, and agreed to. Resolved, That it is expedient to authorise the payment to the Fishery Board for Scotland, out of moneys to be provided by Parliament, of sums to be distributed by the Board among local sea fishery committees; and the payment, out of moneys to be provided by Parliament, of the personal and travelling expenses of the members of the Fishery Board, which may become payable under the provisions of any Act of the present Session for the constitution of the Fishery Board for Scotland, and amending the Law in regard to Sea Fisheries in Scotland.

Resolution to be reported Tomorrow.