HC Deb 09 June 1915 vol 72 cc338-40

Whereupon Mr. SPEAKER, pursuant to the Order of the House of the 3rd February, proposed the Question, "That this House do now adjourn."

Mr. MORTON

As we have not had a proper opportunity of discussing the Scottish Fisheries Board Vote, will the Secretary for Scotland, considering the circumstances and the importance of the Fishery industry in the North of Scotland undertake to give us an opportunity of discussing that Vote on the Report stage? I may say that I rose to speak upon it before the negative was put. I think we ought to be allowed to discuss such an important question as the fishery industry of Scotland.

Mr. McKINNON WOOD

I am afraid I am not in a position to make any promise in regard to business to be taken.

Mr. MORTON

You can ask.

Mr. HOGGE

This is a question of general interest among Scottish Members, as my right hon. Friend knows, and I hope he will allow an opportunity for its discussion. We had intended to discuss besides the Board of Agriculture the question of the fishery industry, and, possibly, education. The Fishery Board Vote was put from the Table very quickly, and I am quite certain that my hon. Friend opposite, and other Members, were prepared to speak upon it. As my right hon. Friend is aware, it is a matter of very great importance to those engaged in the fishery industry of Scotland, and perhaps the Secretary for Scotland may see his way to allow his fellow Members and colleagues in this House, on the Report stage of the Vote, an opportunity to discuss the Fishery Board Vote. I hope the right hon. Gentleman will try to see whether that can be done.

Mr. WATT

I support what has been said by my hon. Friend, and I trust that the Secretary for Scotland will do something to enable the Fishery Board Vote to be discussed. Several hon. Members have waited for three hours to debate the Vote, but it was put so quickly from the Chair that the opportunity was lost. I trust the Secretary for Scotland will continue that courtesy which he has shown all day, and will endeavour to secure an opportunity for Scottish Members to discuss the fishery industry of Scotland.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

It is obvious that this Session is quite different from other Sessions and that there will be plenty of time for discussion. We adjourn early in the evenings, and I must say that there will be plenty of opportunity for such a discussion.

Mr. COWAN

As representing the greatest herring fishery port in Scotland. I feel very strongly that we ought not to be deprived of an opportunity of debating the effect of the War on this particular and important industry. What occurred I confess I do not understand. My hon. Friend (Mr. Morton) says he rose before the question was put in the negative, but he was ruled out of order. I do not think a technical ground like that ought to deprive us, especially in view of the fact that we have abundance of time at our disposal in the present circumstances, of an opportunity for discussing the Fishery Board Vote.

Question put, and agreed to.

Adjourned accordingly at Twenty-six minutes before Eight o'clock.