§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the Prime Minister, in view of the fact that the last Report of the Fishery Board for Scotland shows that the line fishing industry has declined 50 per cent. within the last ten years, and that this decline is due to the depredations of illegal trawlers, will he state whether he can see his way to grant facilities for the further consideration of the Trawlers' Certificates Suspension Bill.
THE PRIME MINISTER AND FIRST LORD OF THE TREASURY (Sir H. CAMPBBLL-BANNERMAN,) Stirling BurghsNo, Sir, I am afraid I cannot see my way to granting facilities for this Bill.
§ MR. WEIRIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that this Bill is unopposed with the exception of one Member of the Opposition who is interested in trawlers—and trawlers only—and does he know it would prove of great service to line fishermen all around the coasts? Will he, therefore, not reconsider his decision?
§ SIR H. CAMPBELL-BANNERMANI should be glad to see proper time given for the discussion of this Bill, but although my hon. friend discerns only one opponent I am aware that granting of facilities would immediately produce more than one.