HC Deb 13 February 1929 vol 225 cc405-6
48. Sir ROBERT HAMILTON

asked the Prime Minister whether there has been an inquiry into the question of extending credit facilities to the fishing industry; if any report of such inquiry is available; and what action the Government proposes to take in the matter?

The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Guinness)

I have been asked to reply. The Fishery Departments in Great Britain are continually in touch with the industry in all its branches. I am satisfied that the fishing industry does not lack credit facilities, and that such facilities cannot usefully be placed at its disposal by the Government. The Government is always ready to consider any practical suggestions for meeting specific needs of this important industry.

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that such an inquiry as is indicated in the question was definitely promised by the Prime Minister in his election address tin 1924?

Mr. GUINNESS

We have carefully examined the matter. I remember that the hon. and gallant Member for Central Hull (Lieut.-Commander Kenworthy) was going to bring to me a deputation on the subject, and the Hull Trawlers' Association passed a resolution that credits were neither needed nor desirable, and the matter then dropped. I think that, in view of the evidence we have had, it would be ill-timed to bring forward such a scheme.

Commander WILLIAMS

Is there not a considerable difference between the steam trawlers and the smaller fishing boats, and is there not a demand for credit in many places that have the smaller type of fishing boat? Will my right hon. Friend particularly look into the matter, having regard to those districts with the smaller boats?

Mr. GUINNESS

We are always willing to listen to any representations, but I would remind hon. Members that when there was a scheme in force for the provision of credits in Scotland and for the provision of nets very small demand was made on it.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

As Hull has been mentioned, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is aware that the Hull Trawlers' Association speaks only for certain companies, and not for the men employed in the industry; and is he aware that the whole fishing industry is not concentrated in Hull in any case.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the two credit schemes that have been instituted, one by the Coalition Government and the other by the Labour Government, were dismal failures?

Sir R. HAMILTON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the failure of the scheme to which he referred was owing to the harsh terms imposed by the Treasury; and may I ask further whether there has been any report of such an inquiry as was promised by the Prime Minister?

Mr. GUINNESS

I think it might well be that people would be glad to have free grants, hut the question is one about credits. Credits on any self-supporting principle do not meet with any considerable demand.

Sir R. HAMILTON

May I have a reply to the central part of my question?

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot spend five minutes on every question.