§ 16 and 17. Mr. DREWEasked the President of the Board of Trade (1) whether he will make every effort to secure in the new French Commercial Treaty that agreement is reached to limit the size of mesh in French trawlers to the same size enforced by law on British trawlers;
(2) whether he will make every effort in the new French Commercial Treaty to get an extension of the present three-mile limit so as to safeguard British grounds?
§ Dr. BURGINRegulation of fishing operations and questions affecting territorial waters are outside the scope of the present negotiations with France. I am, however, informed that the subject of the limitation of the mesh of fishing nets, which has been closely studied for years past by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, will be the principal topic of discussion at its annual meeting next June. It is hoped that this discussion will lead to agreed recommendations for the consideration of the Governments concerned.
Viscountess ASTORIn case these negotiations fail and there is no agreement, shall we have to go on with a larger mesh and France catching all the fish, big and small?
§ Dr. BURGINIt is a difficult matter, and we cannot, except by agreement, induce the French to alter the mesh of the nets.
§ Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSIs the hon. Member aware that the present position is highly disadvantageous to British fishermen who are suffering a terrible handicap in this respect?
§ 33. Sir MURDOCH McKENZIE WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what have been the earnings for each of the last three years of share 876 fishermen from the north-east and east of Scotland engaged in the herring fishing?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for SCOTLAND (Sir Godfrey Collins)As my hon. Friend is aware, there are great variations as between different ports, and different vessels and individuals as to the time devoted to the various fishings, the results of their operations and the extent to which the men participate in the net's share of the earnings in addition to the crew's share. This being so I regret that I am not in a position to furnish the particulars desired by my hon. Friend.
§ 34. Sir M. WOODasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will suggest to the Sea-Fish Commission the desirability of their making, if possible, an interim report with regard to their investigations into the herring-fishing Industry before the beginning of the forthcoming summer fishing?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI have consulted the Sea-Fish Commission about my hon. Friend's suggestion, and am informed that while they are making every effort to carry through their investigations of the herring-fishing industry at the earliest possible date, they will not be in a position to make a report before the summer fishing.
§ Sir M. WOODDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that it will be necessary for him to make emergency proposals before the commencement of the next season's fishing?
§ Sir G. COLLINSNo, Sir, I must await the report of the Sea-Fish Commission.
§ Sir M. WOODDoes the right hon. Gentleman understand that there is a grave emergency to be met and that there is an opinion that the Government themselves must come forward and deal with the situation?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI realise the urgency of the situation, but, having appointed this Commission to do this particular job of work, I am anxious to get their report before I come to any decision.
§ Sir M. WOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the Government waited for six months before they appointed the Commission after the Act had been passed?