§ 44. Mr. NEIL MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether any decision has yet been made as to the number of new fishery cruisers that will be built for patrolling the Scottish fishery areas; and, if so, whether he can' give any particulars as to tonnage, speed and where they are to be built?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe intention is to build three more cruisers. An order for the large cruiser will be placed next week and it will be built in a Scottish shipyard. Fifteen tenders were invited. Its length is 130 feet and its gross tonnage about 280. It is anticipated that tenders for the small cruiser will be invited this month. In the case of the cruiser of intermediate size great difficulties have been experienced in securing the necessary speed and this matter is still under review.
§ Mr. MACLEANWith regard to the cruiser of intermediate speed, where there is some difficulty in regard to the speed, will the right hon. Gentleman see to it that before deciding upon the vessel the same mistake is not made as was made in the case of the "Rona," which was sunk only the other week?
§ Sir G. COLLINSIn view of former experience, we are taking infinite trouble on this occasion to secure a proper design.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEMay I ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that the Socialist party are now asking for an increase in armaments against British trawlers?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThese vessels are for more peaceful purposes.
§ Lieut.-Colonel HENEAGEBut are they not actually armed?
§ Sir ROBERT HAMILTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether the chartered drifter which was recently lost in Burgha Skerry is going to be replaced?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI should require notice of that question.
Captain BALFOURAre the tenders for the new craft to be confined to Scottish shipyards, or will they be open to English shipyards?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThey will be open to competition and the lowest tender will receive the order.
§ 46. Mr. MACLEANasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the unsatisfactory fishery cruiser "Rona" was towed to and sunk in the Minch; and whether it is intended to finish the 60-year-old "Vigilant" in the same manner and, if so, when?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. The "Vigilant" will be replaced by the large cruiser which is being ordered as mentioned in my previous reply. The necessary steps will then be taken to secure the best possible price for the "Vigilant."
§ Mr. MACLEANConsidering that the Government are offering a large sum of money to other owners of ships for a scrap-and-build policy, why do the Fishery Board entertain the hope that they will get a price for a vessel which was second-hand when they bought it and is now 60 years of age?
§ Sir G. COLLINSWe expect to get the best possible price for anything we have to offer for sale.