§ 18. Mr. COWANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty whether his attention has been called to the refusal of the Admiralty to allow a Norwegian steamer to enter the harbour of Stronsay, Orkney, to load a cargo of herring for direct shipment to Archangel, thus compelling the curer, William Downie, of Fraserburgh, to charter a local steamer to convey these herring to that port for shipment thence to Archangel at a loss of £100; and whether, having regard to the fact that the action of the Admiralty was necessitated by considerations of naval policy, he will consider the question of compensating fish curers for losses arising out of the War and imposed upon them in the interests of the State?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe matter is receiving attention, but I can give no undertaking as to the possibility of admitting claims to compensation in such cases.
§ Mr. WATTCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is a fact that this vessel was prevented from going into the harbour while a chartered vessel was permitted?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAAll I can say is that the whole matter is receiving attention.