23 and 24. Sir H. COWANasked the Secretary to the Admiralty (1) whether arrangements can be made to enable ex-Service men to acquire drifters, for cash, at prices based on cost less reasonable allowance for depreciation; (2) what arrangements have been made to enable fishermen whose drifters have been lost whilst on Admiralty service to obtain vessels in replacement of the same; and what are the terms on which such vessels are to be obtained by those entitled to benefit by the scheme?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAWe have set aside a number of drifters for disposal to persons actually engaged in fishing operations. Apart from that, we are engaged at the present time upon the discussion of a scheme designed so to use drifters and trawlers surplus to Admiralty requirements, if possible, in such a way as to help re-establish in their proper avocation the men who have served us during the War in the Royal Naval Reserve Trawler Section. For the rest, persons desirous of replacing drifters lost while in the Naval Service are entitled to compensation on, the basis of fixed percentage additions to the charter party value, namely, an addition of 75 per cent. in the case of wood vessels and 80 per cent. in the case of steel.
Sir H. COWANWould the right hon. Gentleman say when the details of the scheme to which he refers are likely to be available?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI am sorry to say I cannot. We have not brought it so far.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the scheme enable a man who has lost his drifter to get another to replace it, or only a portion of the value?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThat scheme will not enable him to replace the drifter which he has lost; but the last paragraph of the answer shows that he is entitled to compensation on the basis of fixed percentage additions to the charter party value, namely, an addition of 75 per cent. in the case of wood boats and 80 per cent. in the case of steel. That should go a long way towards compensation.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWhy should not the Government go all the way?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAPerhaps my hon. Friend will read my answer. My reply stated that we have set aside a number of drifters for disposal to persons actually engaged in fishing operations.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENHave you set aside enough drifters to meet the needs of men who have suffered loss?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAI cannot answer that.
§ Mr. STURROCKIs not the main point in this matter to supply drifters to men who cannot now go to sea, in order that they may be allowed to go to sea?