HC Deb 22 July 1912 vol 41 cc776-7
8. Mr. CATHCART WASON

asked the President of the Board of Agriculture the date and the terms of reference submitted to the International North Sea Investigation Committee; what investigations have been undertaken by the other Powers party to the international arrangement, and if there are any Reports and translations of such proceedings and if such Reports have been duly considered by his Department; whether the International North Sea Investigation Committee have made any Report on illegal trawling in inshore waters and consequent destruction of spawning beds, and if the committee has made any practical suggestions for international preservation of fishing-grounds and the prevention of the wholesale destruction of immature fish; and if he can approximately set forth the cost to the United Kingdom of the proceedings of the International North Sea Investigation Committee and also the cost borne by other countries?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

The first meeting of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea took place in July, 1902. No formal reference was made to the council, which determines its own programme of work. It would not be possible, within the limits of an answer to a Parliamentary question, to give an account of the investigations undertaken, severally or in co-operation, by the Powers which are represented on the council. A general account of the work will be found in the Reports of the British delegates, the last of which was published in the year 1910 (Cd. 5032). The council publish periodically reports of their proceedings, and special bulletins in English and German. I am considering the desirability of publishing a short bibliography of the work of the council for the information of persons interested. The Board's staff keep themselves closely informed of the researches conducted by other countries. The answer to the third part of the question is in the negative; but the council have this year undertaken investigations with regard to the possible destruction of immature fish by the modern method of trawling for herring. The sums voted by Parliament for the international investigations during the current financial year amount to £14,486. It is not possible to give similar information as to the expenditure incurred in other countries.

Mr. CATHCART WASON

May I ask whether the investigation of the Scotch branch of this committee are taken separately or in conjunction with the English branch?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I could not give an answer without notice, but I believe they have been acting in collaboration.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Can the hon. Gentleman say when the next Report is due?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No.

Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAY

Will the right hon. Gentleman find out?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

I will communicate with the International Committee, but they make their Report in their own way.