§ 60. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether the Government have yet come to a decision as to whether they will accept the invitation of the Netherlands Government to a conference to reconsider the North Sea Fisheries Convention, 1881?
§ Sir J. SIMONI regret to state that His Majesty's Government have not yet been able to come to a decision in regard to this matter. Certain complicated questions are involved.
§ Sir M. WOODCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether any progress is being made and whether a statement is likely to be made soon?
§ Sir J. SIMONI do not think that I can make any statement at present on the general matter. It has to be considered by more Departments than one.
§ 67. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether his attention has been called to the waste of fish at the fishing ports; and whether he will consider the possibility of distributing large quantities of this fish for food at a cheap rate through welfare committees and other similar agencies?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)I am aware that in the summer months, when supplies of fish are often in excess of demand, sound fish is not uncommonly disposed of for other purposes than human consumption. As regards the second part of the question, I understand that a scheme on the lines indicated is being organised by fish traders in Hull, and I hope it will be successful, and the example followed elsewhere.
§ Mr. T. WILLIAMSCannot the Ministry of Agriculture render some assistance to this voluntary effort by distributing surplus fish during the summer months to persons who are unemployed?
§ Major ELLIOTI shall be glad to consider any suggestions which my hon. Friend may make.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs not the right hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that in 1926 the experiment was tried of sending surplus fish to miners' families with considerable success. Of course, His Majesty's inspectors see that it is good fresh fish. Will not the Minister take energetic steps to press the experiment now and extend it widely?
§ Major ELLIOTThe Ministry of Agriculture have no powers to govern distribution.
§ Mr. LAWSONIf the unemployed succeed in getting fish as a result of this scheme, will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman see that the public assistance committees do not penalise them because of it?
§ 72. Sir M. WOODasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has now con- 624 sidered the report of the committee which recently investigated the condition of the fishing industry; and whether the Government propose to adopt any of the recomimendations?
§ Major ELLIOTThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. In general, the Government views the recommendations of the committee favourably. As regards matters requiring legislation, it may be difficult to find time in the near future for the legislation involved, which may have to give place to matters of greater urgency, but the terms of draft Bills on various matters are under consideration. Inquiries have also been begun, in accordance with the recommendations of the committee, regarding the distribution of fish. So far as concerns the recommendation of the committee that the question of imposing restrictions on the imports of white fish should be considered, I would remind my hon. Friend that Customs duties have since been imposed on imported fish.