§ MR. C. H. WILSONI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware of the falling off in the North Sea fisheries, and seeing that in their special Report the Select Committee to whom the Sea Fisheries Bill was referred stated that the subject of the diminution of the fish supply was a pressing one, and that the situation was becoming worse, and that no effort ought to be spared to 931 arrange for international treatment of the subject generally, and especially for regulation of the North Sea area; and to provide for the adequate equipment of the Government Departments in charge of the subject, so that they might effectively pursue scientific investigation, and ascertain what has been done either in the way of scientific research or in the matter of practical legislation by other inquirers and by other countries, with the view of determining whether any, and if so what, legislation may be desirable to effect the objects of the Bill, whether he will press upon the Government legislative action, as the diminution in the supply of this article of food is of national importance.— In putting this question the hon. Member said: I am aware the question has to some extent been answered in the reply to the hon. Member for East Aberdeenshire; but I wish particularly to ask the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the falling off in the North Sea fisheries; if ho knows that many of the fishing vessels are now being laid up in the ports of Hull and Grimsby, thereby causing great distress, which may possibly increase in the near future; and if he will consider the importance of dealing with this matter by legislation, which has been too long deferred.
§ MR. RITCHIEI am not aware whether the hon. Gentleman's latter allegation is correct, but I do know there has been some falling off in the fishing industry in the North Sea.
§ MR. C. H. WILSONWhat do the Government propose to do?
§ MR. RITCHIEIt is much too early for the Government to state what it proposes to do. There has not been time to consider the evidence and the Report of the Committee.
§ MR. C. H. WILSONHow many years has this question been before the Government?