§ 94. Mr. TICKLERasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that, owing to the shortage of labour at Grimsby fish docks, vessels arriving at that port have to hold over their catches of fish for three or four days, thereby suffering loss and deterioration; and if he will cause instructions to be issued to 1103 the military representative to call up no further men from this industry for the Army?
The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Roberts)The Board of Trade have caused inquiries to be made, and are informed that there is no general shortage of labour at the Grimsby fish docks. At times, owing to stress of weather or other causes, a larger number of boats than usual come into the port at once, but there has never been a delay of three days in handling the catches. As the fish is on ice, no deterioration should take place during a short delay. The Grimsby Port Labour Committee are empowered to giant certificates of exemption to fish dock workers, with a view to maintaining a sufficient supply of labour in the port, and without their consent these men cannot be called up for military service. The attention of the Port Labour Committee has been called to this matter by the Board.
§ Mr. WINGIs the lion. Gentleman aware that our information is entirely opposed to the report to which the hon. Gentleman has just alluded, and that other ports—Shields and West Hartle-pool—suffer from the same shortage? Will he receive a deputation on this matters?
Mr. ROBERTSI am quite prepared to receive representations from the hon. Member, but I have personally investigated this question, and I can only say that the information I have given is exactly as I have stated.