HC Deb 12 February 1929 vol 225 cc224-5
51. Commander WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Agriculture the number of men and boys engaged in the fishing industry in England and Wales and Scotland in the years 1913, 1920, and 1928?

Mr. GUINNESS

As the reply contains a number of figures, I propose, with my hon. Friends's permission, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman going to circulate only a report of the number of men and boys employed afloat, or does he intend also to circulate the figures in regard to those employed ashore?

Mr. GUINNESS

I think the figures only cover those afloat.

Commander WILLIAMS

Do the figures show a tendency to rise, or fall?

Mr. GUINNESS

There is a very considerable fall since the figures which were obtained just before the War.

Commander WILLIAMS

Is there any prospect of the Ministry being able to do anything to try to encourage people to go into the industry?

Mr. GUINNESS

I should be very glad to hear of any proposals from my hon. and gallant Friend by which that desirable object could he obtained.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

Can figures be published of those directly employed ashore, including fisher girls?

Mr. GUINNESS

I should think it is very doubtful whether we should be in a position to get those figures, but I will see what figures can be communicated.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the calculation is four persons employed ashore to one person afloat?

Mr. GUINNESS

These figures are founded on the information in the possession of the Board of Trade, and collected by the Registrar General of Shipping, and I doubt whether any other figures will be available.

Mr. TAYLOR

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what he regards as the principal cause of this serious diminution in the fishing industry?

Mr. GUINNESS

Not in reply to a supplementary question.

Following are the figures:

The estimated number of men and boys employed in sea fishing in Great Britain for the years 1913, 1920 and 1927 is as follows:—

Year. England and Wales (including the Isle of Man). Scotland. Total.
1913 … 45,382 34,504 79,886
1920 … 41,117 31,491 72,608
1927 … 34,496 25,522 60,018

The figures for the year 1928 are not yet available.