§ 47. Mr. HOWARD GRITTENasked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the depression in the fishing industry in this country and of the urgency of the matter, the Government will assign a day for the discussion of this subject?
§ The PRIME MINISTERI regret that time did not permit last Wednesday of the discussion of my hon. Friend's Motion relating to the fishing industry. I am afraid that in present circumstances I cannot hold out any prospect of special time being given for this discussion.
§ Mr. GRITTENCould the Prime Minister indicate merely an approximate date on which this subject might be discussed, in view of the desperate condi- 1445 tion of an industry on which hundreds of thousands of our workers depend, directly or indirectly?
§ The PRIME MINISTERMy hon. Friend knows that, as soon as we come to the Votes, the Vote can be put down and this subject discussed in Supply. It is not, however, our right to put the subject down; that belongs to the Opposition.
§ Mr. BOOTHBYIn view of the critical condition of the industry at the moment, could the Prime Minister give the House an assurance that, in the forthcoming negotiations for trading agreements with the different European countries, its special interests will be borne in mind by the Government?
§ The PRIME MINISTERIt is not exactly my direct responsibility, but I am informed that as a matter of fact that point is before the Department concerned.