§ SIR LEWIS MOLESWORTH (Cornwall, Bodmin)To ask the hon. Member for North Huntingdonshire, as representing the President of the Board of Agriculture, whether he will be prepared to send an official from the Department of Fisheries to make a Report on the possible damage to the fishing interests on the south coast of Cornwall from the proposal to hold naval speed trials on the drift-net fishing grounds near the shore; and whether he will be prepared to lay a Report upon the Table.
(Answered, by Mr. Ailwyn Fellowes.) My noble friend the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has been in communication with the First Lord of the Admiralty on this subject. He is prepared to give the First Lord such advice as to any possible injury to the fishing interest as the Department is able to give, but in all probability experience alone will show whether there is any ground for the fears which have been expressed. Any question of damage to boats or gear would be dealt with by the Board of Trade, and not by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries.