§ 46. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether the War Cabinet will inquire into the present situation, where practically the whole of the North Sea fishing fleets are on charter to the Admiralty; whether they will make inquiry into the relative utility of using eight-knot trawlers for the purposes for which they are so well suited, of catching fish, and for the function of defending shipping, for which they are quite unsuited both by reason of their speed of eight knots and their gun armament of three- or six-pounder guns; and, in view of the urgency of the food situation, whether they will act in the matter at once?
§ The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER (Mr. Bonar Law)I can assure my hon. and gallant Friend that the question of making the best use of trawlers both for convoy and other purposes is one which is receiving daily attention by the Admiralty.
§ 54. Commander BELLAIRSasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the limit lines of fishing grounds on the coasts of Ireland, Scotland, the Orkneys and Shetlands deprives this country of quantities of fish, and by concentrating the fishing craft in known limits increasess their risk; and whether the Board are prepared to consider proposals for doing away with the limit lines except in the vicinity of any British barrier?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe details of the system of control exercised by the Admiralty over fishing vessels cannot be given for obvious reasons, but the effect of this control has undoubtedly been to reduce the number of vessels lost by enemy action. The Admiralty are always willing to consider any proposals which will increase the amout of fish caught without subjecting the fishing vessels and fishermen to undue risk, but the proposed abolition of all limits is not practicable. If my hon. and gallant Friend would wish to discuss this matter further with our naval advisers, I shall be glad to make the necessary arrangements to enable him to do so.