§ MR. BLACK (Banffshire)To ask the Secretary to the Hoard of Trade whether the Committee recently appointed to consider as to tonnage measurement will direct its attention to suitable deductions from gross measurement in the case of fishing boats as compared with trading vessels; and whether evidence from fishermen and boat builders will be invited.
(Answered by Mr. Gerald Balfour.) Under the terms of reference the Committee appointed to inquire into the operation of Sections 78 and 87 of The Merchant Shipping Act, 1894, can direct its attention to suitable deductions from gross measurement of fishing vessels so far as the allowance for propelling power is concerned, and can invite fishermen and boat builders to give evidence should they think it advisable to do so.