HC Deb 17 April 1923 vol 162 cc1864-6
67. Sir A. SINCLAIR

asked the Under-Secretary to the Scottish Board of Health whether, in view of the difficulty experienced by Scottish fishermen, after three years of depression in the industry, during which they have been unable to make provision for capital depreciation in replacing their lost and damaged gear, the economic loss to the country if available boats and crews are not employed, and the cost to the national Exchequer and the local funds for relieving the consequent distress, the Government will select some method, either by an extension of the powers of the Unemployment Grants Committee or under the Trade Facilities Act, or under Section 32 of the Crofters Holding (Scotland) Act, 1886, by which loans may be granted in time to enable fishermen to tide over this crisis and to engage in the summer fishing?

Captain ELLIOT

I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to my reply on the 27th February to his question regarding loans under the Crofters Holdings Act. I can hold out no prospect of the provision of loans for the purchase of gear either through the Unemployment Grants Committee or under the Trade Facilities Act.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that since he gave the answer to which he refers the position is very much worse? The storms that have occurred in the spring have swept away a great deal of the gear of these men. Will the hon. and gallant Gentleman not consider putting into force the powers that he has under existing Acts of Parliament?

Mr. SHINWELL

Is the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that on Saturday last more than 200 persons left the Hebrides for Canada, many by means of Government assistance, because they found themselves unable to make a living in their own land?

Captain ELLIOT

I quite agree that the position of the fishermen whose gear has been swept away in storms is a very serious one, but if the Government is to take action to repair the damage caused by storms they would have claims extending far beyond those of the fishing industry.

Mr. MACPHERSON

But are there not funds available for this particular purpose.?

Captain ELLIOT

No; certainly that is the difficulty. So far there were funds in which we- could have exercised those powers, they have been exhausted.

Sir A. SINCLAIR

Owing to the very unsatisfactory reply I beg to give notice that I shall call attention to the matter at the first opportunity on the Adjournment.