HC Deb 07 May 1934 vol 289 cc728-9
21. Sir A. KNOX

asked the Minister of Agriculture what number of beasts were shipped from Northern Ireland to the United Kingdom in the first three months of 1932, 1933 and 1934, respectively?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

A statement is being circulated in the OFFICIAL REPORT giving the information desired.

Following is the statement :

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

There are in England and Wales about 23 commercial fish farms, four fish hatcheries owned by local fishery boards, and a number of private fish farms with regard to which I have no particulars; with the exception of the hatcheries belonging to the fishery boards, all these farms are privately owned and I have no information as to the number of people employed. In Scotland there are, I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, six fish farms; the number of persons employed is believed to be approximately 17, but no exact information is available on this point.

Lieut. - Colonel ACLAND - TROYTE

May I ask whether the owners of these fisheries were consulted before the introduction of the Diseases of Fish Bill, and if not, why not?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I must have notice of that question.

Brigadier-General BROWN

Will the hon. Gentleman kindly pass on to the Secretary of State for Scotland, who will be on the Committee on this Bill, the information as to the number of fish farms in England?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I have given notice to him.