§ 54. Mr. GEORGE ROBERTSasked the right hon. Gentleman whether he has ever received any report from the collector of Customs at Lowestoft on the subject of complaints as to the amounts shared out to fishermen; and, if so, will he state the nature of the report?
Mr. ROBERTSONIn December, 1911, a report was obtained from the collector at Lowestoft on the subject of complaints as to the amounts paid to share fishermen. This report showed that complaints were occasionally brought before the collector, who stated that it was not as a rule found difficult to arrange an amicable settlement of a dispute at his office and that owners and men always accepted the decision there given. The collector further reported that neither the fishermen nor the owners were so reluctant then as formerly to refer disputes to his office for settlement. As my hon. Friend was informed in reply to his question of 10th December, the existing provisions of the law appear to give fishermen effective means to protect their interests in this matter.