HC Deb 03 April 1939 vol 345 cc2449-50
59. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether, in view of the decision of His Majesty's Government to subsidise merchant shipping in the national interests, he will consider according similar assistance to such fishing craft as can be utilised for war purposes?

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Wedderburn)

My right hon. Friend regrets that he is unable to add anything to the replies given by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to the hon. Member for Evesham (Mr. De la Bère) on 9th February and the hon. Member for East Fife (Mr. Henderson Stewart) on 13th March.

Mr. Boothby

In view of the importance of these matters and of these craft to the Navy in time of emergency, will the Under-Secretary consult with the Board of Admiralty about them?

Mr. Wedderburn

The Admiralty do not contemplate the use of a large number of drifters in the event of war.

Mr. Boothby

I am asking whether the Under-Secretary will consult the Admiralty?

Mr. Wedderburn

I have already done so.

Mr. Macquisten

Will the Under-Secretary also consider the suggestion made in a recent Debate that we should go back to Elizabethan times and have one meatless day a week and eat fish so as to help the fishing industry and benefit the national health?

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