HC Deb 03 July 1918 vol 107 c1708
47. Commander BELLAIRS

asked the Prime Minister whether, in order to increase the food supply of this country and at the same time give the greater safety to fishing vessels conferred by shallow waters, the Government will, for the period of the War, open the territorial waters of Great Britain and Ireland to all British fishing craft?

Mr. BONAR LAW

Subject to the requirements of naval strategy, the safety of the fishing vessels themselves, and certain local prohibitions against trawling, territorial waters are open to all British fishing craft.