§ Mr. SUMMERBELLasked the hon. Member for South Somerset if he is aware that a communication has been forwarded to the Conservators of the Wear Fishery 1077 District intimating that fishermen should be warned that the Admiralty will not consider claims for damage to gear unless it is proved that it was attended sufficiently closely to enable adequate warning to be given to His Majesty's ships; whether he is aware that, owing to the speed at which vessels travel, combined with the darkness, it is often quite impossible to give the warning demanded; and whether, in view of the hazardous and precarious nature of such fishermen's calling, he is prepared to reconsider the notice so given, with a view to its modification?
§ Mr. McKENNAThe "warning demanded" is merely the fulfilment of the existing regulations. In the majority of instances it is possible for such warning to be given in time to avert damage. In cases where an exceptionally high speed of one of His Majesty's ships renders it impossible for the warning to be given in time, such fact will receive due consideration.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLIf the warning is in accordance with the existing regulations, why is it necessary to issue the warning at the present moment?
§ Mr. McKENNAThere is no special warning issued in the case of the Wear Fishery District. It is a universal warning issued in the case of all districts alike.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLThe point is, if it is in accordance with existing regulations, why is it necessary to issue the warning at the present moment?
§ Mr. McKENNAI can only imagine because the existing regulations have not been sufficiently regarded.
§ Mr. SUMMERBELLAm I to understand that compensation has been paid in similar cases up to the present?
§ Mr. McKENNAIf my hon. Friend will give me notice of the question, I should be glad to inquire whether compensation has been paid.