§ 62. Captain GARRO-JONESasked the Minister of Agriculture if he is aware of the number of French fishing boats which operate at all seasons round the British Islands; if he will state, with regard to those that have infringed the three-mile limit law, what was their total number in the last 12 months and the penalties inflicted upon them; and, with regard to those that have kept within the law, whether he has considered any measures under which British vessels would be assisted in competition with them?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)I am aware that considerable numbers of French fishing boats operate off the coasts of Great Britain, mainly in the Channel. The number of such fishing vessels prosecuted within the last 12 months for infringing the three-mile limit is seven. In five cases fines of £10 each were imposed, with forfeiture of catch and gear, and in two cases fines of;£2 each. While I am always glad to consider any measures for assisting the British fishing industry, I am disposed to think that British fishermen are quite capable of holding their own in competition with foreign fishermen.
§ Captain GARRO-JONESWill the right hon. Gentleman be surprised to hear that in one small port on the South-West of England as many as 120 French fishing boats will be found at one time, and is that an evidence of the statement that British fishing boats are holding their own?
§ Mr. GUINNESSBritish fishing boats go very far afield, and the hon. Member will find a far larger number of British boats than that in countries in Northern Europe if he will make inquiries.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENWill the right hon. Gentleman take notice of the fines that are imposed by Iceland on British ships, with a very salutary effect, and cannot something of the same kind be done here?
§ Mr. GUINNESSAs I have stated, we are anxious to do all in our power. I cannot accept the suggestion that the British fishing industry is not well able to look after itself, in fair competition with other countries.
Commander WILLIAMSIs it not the fact that British fishermen are very particular in keeping the law while foreigners are not quite so particular as they ought to be.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs not this a question of Free Trade?