§ 8. Mr. GARRO-JONESasked the President of the Board of Trade whether he is aware that approximately one-third of the steam trawlers fishing out of Aberdeen are not surveyed by Lloyds; that there is no statutory obligation upon their owners to subject them to survey however old they may be; that complaints by their crews have, in the past, resulted in dismissal; and whether he will take immediate steps to inform himself of the discontent among those who have to man these ships?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of TRADE (Mr. Runciman)The answer to the first two parts of the question is in the affirmative. I have no information with regard to the third part. As regards the fourth part, I propose to await the report of the Sea Fish Commission, which, I understand, will be available shortly.
§ Mr. GARRO-JONESCan it be right or necessary to await the result of any report before providing that these fishing vessels are subject to any authoritative survey of any kind whatever? Will the right hon. Gentleman do something immediately to remedy that defect in the law?
§ Mr. RUNCIMANI have no doubt that some reference will be made to this matter in the report of the Sea Fish Commission, and I wish to take advantage of their advice.