§ 10. Mr. RUSSELLasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has received any representations with regard to the proposed by-laws in respect of artillery practice from Tynemouth Castle; whether he is aware that if these by-laws as drafted come into operation they will cause annoyance and inconvenience to navigation in that area and will involve various interests in serious losses, particularly that of the Cullercoats salmon fishermen; and whether he will cause a local inquiry to be made into the whole matter before anything further is done?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI have received several objections to the proposed by-laws, as a result of the advertisement in the local and shipping Press of the intention to make them. The objections are based chiefly on grounds of interference with the interests of navigation and fishing, and they are now under the consideration of the War Office, to whom they were referred. As soon as I learn the War Office views I will consider whether a public inquiry is necessary.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYDoes it mean that the nets will be up at the mouth of the river when the guns are firing?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERI am afraid that I cannot answer that question without notice.