HC Deb 02 July 1925 vol 185 c2791
48. Mr. FENBY

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the great national importance of agriculture and fisheries, he will consider taking steps to end the present combined Ministerial control of these industries by setting up separate Departments for agriculture and fisheries, each with a Minister responsible to this House?

Mr. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAIN

I am afraid that the Prime Minister cannot see any good reason to adopt the hon. Member's suggestion.

Mr. FENBY

If the Prime Minister does not see his way to accept this suggestion, will he consider the alternative one of having one Minister with two Under-Secretaries, one attached specially for agriculture and the other for fisheries?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I will have my right hon. Friend's attention directed to the alternative suggestion.

Mr. HARDIE

Are the Government paying attention to the facts that are being developed by their own lecturers, as to the great waste of fish, especially plaice, under the system of trawling, where small fish are killed by the thousand in order to get a few big ones?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question should be addressed to the Minister. of Agriculture and Fisheries.