59. Viscountess Astorasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will take steps to secure the appointment of practical fishermen as members of the local committees under the Sea Fish Industry Act when the membership of such committees arises this year?
§ The Minister of Agriculture (Colonel Sir Reginald Dorman-Smith)It is not anticipated that many vacancies will arise on local fisheries committees during the present year, but on the reconstruction of these committees in April, 1940, under the terms of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938, I shall endeavour to secure adequate representation of practical fishermen among the new members. My predecessors and I have always had this object in view in making our appointments, but it is by no means easy to find a sufficient number of working fishermen who are able and willing to devote the time required for service on these committees.
Viscountess AstorIf it were possible to find working fishermen who could act on these committees, would the Minister not consider co-opting them?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI would like notice of that question.
§ Mr. T. WilliamsIs it not the case that if working fishermen became members of these committees, they would have to lose employment in serving upon the committees and in that case would appropriate sums be found to compensate them?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithThat is not allowed under the Act, but I will take note of the right hon. Gentleman's suggestion.