§ 9. Sir DOUGLAS THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that in Aberdeen men signing on or signing off a fishing vessel pay a fee of one shilling to the 2252 Board of Trade; whether he can recommend any reduction of this charge; and whether he will consider instituting a reduced fee of sixpence for intermediate signings on and off, even if the fee of one shilling remains for the half-yearly period?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)I have received representations on this matter from several quarters. There are substantial difficulties in the way of adopting my hon. Friend's suggestion, but I will arrange for the matter to be reexamined.
§ Sir D. THOMSONWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that a reduction of these charges would be most welcome to men in a very hardly-pressed industry at the present time?
§ Mr. SHINWELLIs there any reason why fishermen should be treated differently from the men in the Mercantile Marine?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANThe conditions of employment are not identical.
§ Mr. GARRO JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Aberdeen is the only port at which these fees are charged; that the total amount does not amount to more than £1,000 per annum; and, in view of the great irritation aroused by the charging of these frequent fees, does he not think that it would be a wise policy to abolish them altogether?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have already said that I am having the subject reexamined.
§ Mr. MACQUISTENDoes the right hon. Gentleman not realise that such a charge on the men of Aberdeen will be felt there more than in any other parts of Scotland?