HC Deb 05 April 1922 vol 152 cc2246-7
78. Mr. KILEY

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what method is adopted by His Majesty's Customs responsible for the collection of reparation duty in deciding whether fish landed from German trawlers at British ports has been caught within German territorial waters, and is thus liable to duty, or outside these limits and is accordingly free?

Mr. YOUNG

Special forms of Customs report and entry are required in the case of foreign fishing vessels landing in British ports fresh fish taken on the deep-sea fishing grounds. The knowledge possessed by Customs officers of the fishing grounds in use at various seasons of the year provides a sufficient check on the reliability of the declarations made on these documents.

Dr. MURRAY

Does not this Regulation involve a premium on poaching in home waters by German trawlers?

Mr. YOUNG

No. I do not think that there can be the faintest possible tendency in that direction in this Regulation.

Major M. WOOD

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that fishing is going on in home waters?

Mr. YOUNG

I am informed that the cargoes of fish to which the question refers come from the Icelandic grounds.

Mr. W. THORNE

May I ask you, Sir, a personal question? A short time ago you decided that it would be improper for a Member to ask a question standing in the name of another Member unless he first got the permission of the Member who put down the question. I would ask you whether you would reconsider the position, because some of us are placed in a very embarrassing position when we want to ask a question put by some of our Members, especially as I have an idea, in my own mind, on some occasions that hon. Members are disobeying your order?

Mr. SPEAKER

I think that Members of the House all round have been extremely good in following my order. It is only necessary for an hon. Member, who cannot be present to ask a question, to request another Member to put the question for him, and then it can be asked.

Lieut.-Colonel MURRAY

Is it not impossible to say where these fish actually were caught?

Mr. YOUNG

The matter does not rest with me. I understand that the Customs officers who are used to watching cargoes arrive have certain information.

Mr. MAGQUISTEN

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the fishing industry is being very much imperilled?