§ 37. Mr. H. STEWARTasked the Secretary of State for Air what parts of the sea round the Fife Coast are scheduled for bombing practice by the Air Force; and whether, before any extensions are made, he will consult the interests of the fishing and summer resort industries in the district?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for AIR (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)Bombing with small practice smoke bombs is carried out in the north part of St. Andrew's Bay, and the establishment of an area for live bombing some miles out to sea, near Isle of May, is under consideration. Areas for bombing practice are fixed with the utmost regard to local occupations, and the fishing interests in particular are invariably consulted.
§ Mr. PETHERICKHas the right hon. Gentleman any evidence as to whether the fishing industry is harmed in any way?
§ Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTERNo, before we arrange any practice of this kind we always consult, in England, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries and, in Scotland, with the Fishery Board, who are most jealous guardians of fishery interests.