HC Deb 15 March 1920 vol 126 cc1772-3
10. Mr. ROYCE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that a fleet of upwards of 60 steam trawlers belonging to Dutch ports are daily landing their catches at English ports and are getting supplies of coal for bunkers, while some of our own steam trawlers are laid up owing to lack of coal; and whether the Coal Controller will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

My attention has recently been called to the case of the Dutch steam fishing trawlers at Grimsby, and as a result of careful inquiries made by the Coal Mines Department it was found that Dutch vessels receive no preference in the matter of coal supplies. I have no reason to believe that the position is not the same at other fishing ports.

Mr. ROYCE

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that preference is not the point; the question is whether they should receive any coal while British trawlers are lying idle for want of coal?

20. Mr. ROYCE

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that, owing to the diversion of supplies, several steam fishing vessels belonging to the Boston fishing fleet are laid up in dock for want of coal; that the consequent dislocation renders the stoppage of the whole fleet imminent; and whether the Coal Controller will take steps to furnish immediately the necessary supplies of coal and so prevent the further unemployment and loss that will result from such a stoppage?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

No instructions which would have the effect of diverting coal supplies from Boston have been issued by the Coal Mines Department. I understand that the Coal Controller has met a deputation introduced by the hon. Member and that the misapprehension which existed locally on this subject has been cleared up.

Mr. ROYCE

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that, misapprehension notwithstanding, the coal was not forthcoming and the trawlers were laid up?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

I am very sorry to hear that, but I shall be very glad if the hon. Gentleman will speak to me about it, and I will do what I can.

Mr. ROYCE

I hope the hon. Gentleman does not forget that on the 2nd March I approached him on the same subject?

Mr. BRIDGEMAN

Yes, but I hope my hon. Friend will not forget that I have been doing all I can since then to try and get it put right.