HC Deb 24 February 1919 vol 112 cc1358-9
34. Major ENTWISTLE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether he is aware that there are forty trawlers at present lying in Hull Docks awaiting repairs, which cannot be carried out owing to the strikes, and that these trawlers are urgently required by the fishing industry; whether other trawlers are also being released by the Admiralty which will be held up for the same reasons; and whether he is taking any action to secure the carrying out of the necessary repairs in view of the value of these vessels in increasing the food supplies of the nation?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

The Board are aware of the circumstances to which the hon. and gallant Member refers, and of the resulting loss to the nation's food supply. The Board are unable to intervene in one part of a much larger labour dispute, which is receiving the anxious consideration of the Government.

37. Mr. PERCY

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture whether the Government will at an early date proceed with the formation of a Central Fishery Board for England on lines similar to those of the Scotch Fishery Board, whose work has been so effective in developing the Scottish fishing industry?

Sir A. BOSCAWEN

I must refer the hon. Member to the reply given by the Leader of the House on the 17th instant.