§ 52. Commander BELLAIRSasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that, subject to the requirements of naval strategy and the safety of the fishing vessels, the Government allow territorial waters to be fished in by British fishing craft, but the maximum catch is not obtained owing to local prohibitions against trawling; and whether the Government will examine these local prohibitions with the view of their withdrawal in all or certain localities, such as the West Coast of Ireland, and thereby increase the vital food supply of the nation?
§ Mr. BONAR LAWI am informed that the Departments concerned are prepared to consider applications for the relaxation of the local prohibitions affecting trawling in cases where such restrictions can with safety be removed. As regards the West Coast of Ireland, the naval requirements prevent any relaxation of the prohibitions.