§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the consensus of opinion among fishermen as to the harm done to the herring fishing by big gun and torpedo practice, he will, so far as the exigencies of the service admit, arrange for such practices being carried out with the least possible interference to the fishing industry?
§ Mr. McKENNASo far as I am aware it has not been established that the herring fishery is affected by heavy gun or torpedo practice. Subject to the exigencies of the Service, care is taken to avoid as far as posible interference with the fishing industry, but it is not practicable on all occasions to carry out practices in waters which are remote from the fisheries.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very strong consensus of opinion throughout the fishing communities as to the detrimental effects of big-gun firing and torpedo practice?
§ Mr. McKENNAI know that view has been expressed in some quarters, but in other quarters the British Fleet is constantly invited to come there for manœuvres.