§ MR. MALLET (Plymouth)To ask the Secretary to the Admiralty whether, in view of the effect upon the fishing industry in Plymouth and other Devonshire ports of the depredations of foreign steam trawlers in neighbouring waters, the Lords of the Admiralty will institute an inquiry into the action of the two vessels detailed to maintain a continuous patrol of these waters, and will, if necessary, substitute for them more efficient 1367 vessels, better equipped with searchlights, and possessing a higher rate of speed.
§ (Answered by Mr. Edmund Robertson.) The whole of the very complicated question of the protection to be afforded by His Majesty's ships to the fishery interests in the seas round the British Isles is under special review by the Admiralty and other Departments concerned. It is not, therefore, considered necessary to hold a special inquiry into the action of the two vessels which now carry out a continuous patrol, and which are considered to be efficient for the purpose. Steps are being taken to fit them with searchlights.