§ 33. Mr. FELLasked the President of the Board of Agriculture if he has sent any inspectors from his Department to inquire into the practice of trawling for herrings, how far it prevails, and the nature and condition of the fish caught; and if such inspectors have gone on the trawlers when engaged in this fishery and have obtained evidence which they can put before the Departmental Committee which is to sit on this question?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. A scientific officer of the Board has made several voyages on trawlers engaged in trawling for herring during the present season. Investigations are also being conducted by means of the Board's research vessel, which, it is hoped, will throw further light on the question. The information in the possession of the Board will be at the disposal of the Committee to which the hon. Member refers. I may also mention that the Board have brought the matter to the notice of the International Council.
Mr. C. WASONMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman, if the case of trawling for herrings comes before the International Committee, could it not be made a more general question than it is?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe International Committee are taking the matter into their consideration, and I hope we shall have their assistance.