§ 22. Mr. LOFTUSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether any decision has been arrived at regarding a loan to herring-fishing-boat owners for the replacement of nets and gear?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have been asked to reply. This does not appear to be a matter which can be considered independently of other questions relating to the herring fishing industry which fall within the reference to the Sea Fish Commission who are at present prosecuting their investigations of the herring fishing industry. In the circumstances, I think that consideration of this question must await the report of the commission.
§ Mr. LOFTUSIs not the matter one of extreme urgency, as the summer fishing commences in six weeks' time and the majority of the owners will not be able to partake in the fishing unless they have financial assistance? Could the right hon. Gentleman expedite the report on that one point?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI recognise that the matter is one of urgency. The Sea Fishing Commission are working very hard to prepare their report at the earliest date. I have already asked them to issue an interim report on this question at a very early stage.