§ 2. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware that many of the fishermen of Padstow, Port Isaac, and other parts of North Cornwall feel that more coast watchers are needed, especially in bad weather, in order that timely notice may be given of fishing vessels in distress; that in the recent case of the fishing vessel "Our Girlie," when five fishermen nearly lost their lives and their boat was wrecked, the skipper burnt flares consisting of blankets and bedding soaked in petrol, a statutory distress signal, from 10.30 p.m. until the lifeboat arrived at 5.30 a.m.; and whether he will consider increasing the number of the coast watchers so that a continual look-out can be kept, especially in had weather?
§ Mr. H. WILLIAMSMy attention had previously been drawn to the particular case mentioned by the hon. and gallant Member, and it was very carefully investigated. I was satisfied that there was no reason to think that the look-out arrangements were in fault The local officer is instructed to put on a bad weather watch when in his judgment the weather requires it, and it is, I fear, inevitable that in some cases his opinion may not coincide exactly with that of some local fishermen. In order, however, that exceptional precautions may be taken during the Padstow fishing season, which lasts for about six weeks in the autumn, it has been decided that during this season look-outs shall be posted by both the Padstow and Port Isaac coastguards, irrespective of weather conditions, during the time that any of the Padstow fishing vessels may be at sea.