HC Deb 04 November 1929 vol 231 cc607-9
50. Sir GERVAIS RENTOUL

asked the Prime Minister whether he has decided to set up an official inquiry into the fishing industry of Great Britain; if so, what will be the scope of such inquiry; and by whom will it be conducted?

51. Mr. WOMERSLEY

asked the Prime Minister the names and professions of the members appointed on the committee to inquire into the fishing industry, and the terms of reference set out for the guidance of such committee?

The PRIME MINISTER

As stated in the Press on 24th October, His Majesty's Government have appointed a Sub-Committee of the Committee of Civil Research with the following terms of reference: To inquire into and report upon the condition and prospect of the fishing industry, including the supply, marketing and distribution of fish, and to make recommendations as to any Measures which appear to he desirable and practicable for the improvement of the condition of the industry and of those engaged therein. My right hon. Friend, the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is the Chairman of this Sub-Committee, the members of which are:

  • My hon. Friend the Member for the Clay Cross Division of Derby (Mr. Duncan).
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  • Captain Basil Hall, R.N. (retired).
  • Mr. Robert M. Holland Martin, C.B.
  • Mr. Robert Murray.
  • Sir Felix J. C. Pole.
  • Professor W. R. Scott.

Mr. A. M. SAMUEL

Will the Prime Minister request the Chairman of the Committee to deal with the suggestion which has been made in North Norfolk, to reopen and restock the oyster fisheries of North Norfolk?

Mr. WOMERSLEY

I did not hear in the statement of the Prime Minister anything as to the profession of the gentlemen who are to serve on the Committee. Is he aware that the Minister of Agriculture promised this House that the British Trawlers' Federation, the Fish Merchants' Association, and the Sea Fisheries Organisation Society, all representative bodies, should be consulted in regard to this Committee? Has that been done?

The PRIME MINISTER

I shall require notice of the last part of the question. In regard to the first part of the question, I understand that the description of these gentlemen has been published. If the House agrees that I should give the description, I may say that the hon. Member for the Clay Cross Division is Secretary of the Workers' Union, which has many Members interested in fishing. Captain Hall was the late Chief Inspector of life boats, and came into very close contact with the fishing industry. Mr. Robert M. N. Holland Martin is the present Warden of the Fishmongers' Company, and hon. Secretary of the Bankers' Clearing House. Mr. Robert Murray was at one time a Member of this House, and editor of the "Scottish Co-operator." He is now a director of the Scottish Co-operative Wholesale Society. Sir Felix Pole was formerly general manager of the Great Western Railway, and is chairman of the Associated Electrical Industries. He has great knowledge of the transport problems which affect the question of fishing. Professor Scott is Adam Smith Professor of Political Economy in the University of Glasgow, and those who have been interesting themselves in fishing questions know what has been his contribution to that subject.

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

Is it proposed to add some scientific person to the Committee from the committee of Scientific Research? Where a committee is dealing with research it is usual to have scientific assessors. Is it not proposed to have on the Committee some one from the Marine Biological Research Institute at Plymouth, or from one of the scientific bodies?

The PRIME MINISTER

If the right hon. Gentleman will make representations to me on that subject, I shall be very glad to consider them.

Mr. SAMUEL

Will the Prime Minister answer my question about the North Norfolk oyster fisheries?

Mr. SPEAKER

That question does not arise.

Mr. SCRYMGEOUR

Will the inquiry include a consideration of salmon fishing in Scotland?

The PRIME MINISTER

I should think that that is included in the fishing industry.

Mr. WOMERSLEY

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on the Adjournment.

Major McKENZIE WOOD

rose—

Mr. SPEAKER

As the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Womersley) has given notice that he intends to raise this question on the Adjournment, it is no use discussing it now.