§ MR. HENEAGE (Great Grimsby)Was it not at the request of the late Government that the Belgian Government brought about the Convention to the decisions of which the North Sea Fisheries Bill gives legal force, and is not, this country the only one that has failed to carry out legislation on the subject? Is it not essential that the Bill should be passed and receive the Royal Assent without delay?
§ MR. MUNDELLAIt is quite true that the North Sea Fisheries Bill is of the utmost importance, not only to carry out the Convention, but in the interests of the fisheries themselves, because it will practically suppress the greatest curse of the North Sea fisheries—the floating grog-shops. But I am opposed night after night when I want to make progress with the Bill. What can I do then? If the right hon. Member will use his influence with his hon. Friends 1319 opposite, perhaps he can induce them to withdraw their opposition.
§ MR. HANBURYAs the Government are taking over nearly the whole of the time of the House, why do they not bring it forward at a time when we can discuss it?
§ MR. MUNDELLAThere is not a single Amendment put down to the Bill that it has not an opponent in this House. It is practically a re-enactment of the measure brought in by my Predecessor. As for bringing it in in Government time, I do not see any necessity for doing that, seeing that it is unopposed. Such a course would only afford the hon. Gentleman an opportunity of making talk about it.