HC Deb 09 February 1937 vol 320 c195
11. Mr. Garro Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee, to which he will refer the draft regulations for the safety of fishing vessels, contains any member having special knowledge of such vessels or sea-going experience therein; and, if not, whether this deficiency will be remedied?

Mr. Runciman

I understand that certain of the seamen's representatives on the committee have special knowledge of fishing vessels and represent the interests of fishermen. I may add that it is the practice of the Merchant Shipping Advisory Committee when dealing with technical matters to enlist the aid of outside experts not on the committee if that is necessary.

Mr. Garro Jones

While retaining for consultation the outside experts, will the right hon. Gentleman consider adding to this committee some persons who have special knowledge of the peculiar conditions applicable at sea to fishing vessels, which conditions were not taken into consideration when the committee was constituted?

Mr. Runciman

On examining the list of members of the committee I find that at least one has special knowledge of fishing problems.

Mr. Garro Jones

Has that member got practical navigational experience of fishing vessels?