§ 82. Mr. DUNCAN MILLARasked the Secretary for Scotland whether he is now in a position to make a statement as to the provision of nets and fishing gear for the Scottish drift-net fishermen; and, if so, when his proposals will come into operation?
§ 84. Mr. MacKENZIE LIVINGSTONEasked the Secretary for Scotland whether, in view of the immediate need for assistance for the crofter fishermen of the Western Isles, he will now make his promised statement and, if possible, put into operation forthwith a scheme by which these men may obtain the necessary nets and fishing gear without which they will be unable to participate in this season's fishing?
The SECRETARY for SCOTLAND (Mr. Adamson)The Government have given careful consideration to the representations made by Members from all parts of the House, by discussion, by deputation and by question, in favour of a scheme for assisting the drift-net fishermen with loans for the purchase of nets in order to tide them over the present emergency. Such a scheme presents considerable difficulties of various kinds. In dealing with the matter, however, the Government have had in view the fact that the position of these fishermen is very exceptional, 2412 and that it is a case of meeting a special and non-recurrent emergency by a temporary scheme. In these circumstances the Government have decided to ask Parliament to pass a Supplementary Estimate to enable loans to be granted to herring fishermen in Scotland for the purchase of herring nets. The matter is one of great urgency, and I hope that the House will give the necessary facilities and will agree to suspend the Eleven o'Clock Rule for the purpose of passing this Supplementary Estimate. The Supplementary Estimate will be presented at an early date. The loans will be on the general basis of 50 per cent. of the cost of the nets. The detailed terms of the scheme will be issued by the Fishery Board for the information of fishermen as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MACPHERSONWhen do the Government propose to introduce the Estimate?
§ Mr. MILLARWill the right hon. Gentleman state the total amount that the Government have in view in introducing the Supplementary Estimate, and what machinery will be provided in order to carry out the scheme?
Lieut.-Colonel LAMBERT WARDWill this loan be confined to Scottish fishermen, seeing that there is considerable distress amongst English fishermen, who have also suffered from bad times?
§ Mr. A. M. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Yarmouth and Lowestoft are also important herring-fishing centres, and that they have suffered?
§ Mr. MACPHERSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is highly important that these loans should be given to the fishermen now; and will he anticipate the Estimate, as is quite customary, in order that the fishermen may get their gear and pursue their calling?
Mr. ADAMSONIt is difficult to deal with this matter by question and answer. The Estimate will be for £150,000. All I can say to the hon. Member for Farnham (Mr. A. M. Samuel) is that I do not happen to be secretary for Yarmouth.
§ Mr. FOOTWill the right hon. Gentleman, when he introduces his Supplementary Estimate, have regard to the West Country fishermen, whose circumstances are abnormal, inasmuch as their nets have been destroyed by wrecks.
Lieut.-Colonel WARDIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that, although he may not be secretary for Yarmouth, he will have to rely upon the votes of hon. Members for those constituencies if he wishes to get his Supplementary Estimate through?