100. Dr. MURRAYasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he is aware that from the first week of the. War practically every able-bodied man in the Island of Lewis served in either the Navy or the Army; that thousands of these men have now returned to their homes and find great difficulty in re-establishing themselves in their former occupation, namely, the fishing industry; and that daily communication with the mainland is absolutely necessary to the success of that industry; and whether, in view of the winter fishing now commencing and which is the most important fishing of the year, he will 666 take immediate steps to restore the daily-service in vogue for over thirty years, and which has been recently reduced by one-half owing to the action of the Treasury?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have been told of the excellent war record of the men of Lewis, and I regret to hear that some have experienced difficulty in re-establishing themselves in their former occupation. Other opportunities of employment, however, exist on a considerable scale, there being work available at the moment for practically every able-bodied man in the Island. During the winter fishing season, other vessels besides the mail steamer are used for the transport of fish to the main-land, and I am advised that a daily service by the mail steamer is not essential to the success of the fishery industry. Such daily services could only be provided at a heavy cost which, in present circumstances, the Government would not feel justified in asking the taxpayers to bear.
Dr. MURRAYIs it not a fact that since this service was instituted, about thirty years ago, the increased traffic, and since the War the increased freightage and the increased passenger rates have met any possible increase in the subsidy that may be required to keep up the daily service?