HC Deb 31 July 1939 vol 350 cc1945-6
70. Mr. Law

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will do everything possible to mitigate the serious hardships which are likely to fall upon the fishing community as a result of the action of the Admiralty in taking over 80 trawlers; and whether he will consider, if necessary, the granting of a form of subsidy to those vessels still engaged in deep-sea fishing which carry crews substantially above the statutory minimum?

Sir W. Womersley

My right hon. Friend is already in consultation with the Admiralty on the question of the retention of fishermen as crews of the vessels which have been taken over. As regards the second part of the question, he has no power to grant a subsidy on the lines suggested by my hon. Friend.

71. Mr. Law

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the serious effect which the taking over by the Admiralty of 80 deep-sea trawlers is likely to have upon employment in the fishing industry and ancillary industries, he will consult with the Board of Admiralty so as to ensure that as high a proportion as possible of fishermen may be retained as crew of the vessels which have been taken over, and with the Board of Trade in order to secure that existing trade agreements are modified in order to provide the maximum amount of employment in those vessels that are left on their lawful occasions?

Sir W. Womersley

As I have already indicated, my right hon. Friend is in consultation with the Admiralty on the first point; and I can assure my hon. Friend that in any future trade negotiations the interests of the fishing industry will not be overlooked.

Mr. Law

In the phrase "any future trade negotiations," does my hon. Friend include the possibility of a revision of existing trade agreements?

Sir W. Womersley

That is not a matter for my right hon. Friend's Department, but for the Department of the President of the Board of Trade.

76. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Agriculture what arrangements have been made for trawler skippers, crews and personnel who are not required by the Admiralty service, to be appointed to trawlers which are at present laid up, and thereby given other employment?

Sir D. Womersley

My right hon. Friend has at present no precise information as to what arrangements, if any, the industry is making, but he is keeping the situation under close review.