§ Mr. WILLIAMSONasked the Lord Advocate, whether his attention has been directed to the fact that 36 Grimsby steam trawlers have been transferred to foreign flags, in order to fish in the Moray Firth, and that this action on the part of the Grimsby owners has resulted in the manning of the boats by foreigners; whether representations have been made to him that 600 foreign fishermen have displaced an equivalent number of British fishermen, which has caused unemployment in Grimsby; and whether he will take steps to ensure the taking of the second reading of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas (Prevention) Bill before Easter, in the interests of British fishermen and of the preservation of the future food supply of the people?
§ Mr. UREI am aware of the facts stated by my hon. Friend, although T cannot vouch for the precise number of 7 British fishermen who have been thrown out of employment. A deputation from Grimsby which recently attended at the Scottish Office was referred to the terms of the Trawling in Prohibited Areas Prevention Bill as indicating the intention of the Government in the matter. And I have received a petition in support of that measure bearing to be signed by the owners of 379 steam fishing vessels sailing from the port of Grimsby. With regard to the second reading of the Bill, I may refer my hon. Friend to the statement of the Prime Minister on 25th March that he hoped it would be possible to take it before Easter.