32. Mr. Adamsonasked the President of the Board of Trade what organisations representing owners of fishing vessels were consulted before the new rules with respect to the life-saving appliances to be carried on fishing vessels were made?
§ Mr. StanleyThe following organisations representing owners of fishing vessels were consulted: the Aberdeen Steam Fishing Vessels Owners' Association, the English Herring Catchers' Association, and the British Trawlers' Federation, as well as several constituent bodies of the Federation.
§ Mr. StanleyYes, Sir.
33. Mr. Adamsonasked the President of the Board of Trade whether, with a view to ensuring that every possible pre caution is taken to avoid the loss of valuable lives from fishing vessels, he will instruct his surveyors to consult with 1904 representatives of the appropriate fishermen's organisation before recommending in the case of any vessel an exemption from any of the requirements of the new rules regarding life-saving appliances?
§ Mr. StanleyThe new rules were drawn up in consultation with representatives of both owners and men, and exemption from any requirement in them is only granted when the Board of Trade are satisfied that that requirement is either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of the vessel concerned. It is the practice of the Board's surveyors to keep in touch with local opinion, and the Board are happy at all times to consider representations from any responsible body. Beyond this I do not think it is possible to go.
Mr. AdamsonIn the case of any dispute arising between employers and fishermen, will there be an independent survey before the right hon. Gentleman comes to a decision?
§ Mr. StanleyNo, I cannot do that, because it is my responsibility to administer the law, but I am always willing to receive representations from those who think that an exemption in a particular case should not be granted.
§ Mr. Benjamin SmithSurely if the two parties sitting in conference cannot come to an agreement as to whether an exemption should or should not be given, the right hon. Gentleman will not object to some other body being called in to give an impartial decision?
§ Mr. StanleyThe hon. Member, apparently, believes that the two sides meet to discuss these matters. They meet to discuss certain rules, and it is my responsibility as to whether exemption should be given. At the same time I welcome any representations in regard to the way in which these exemptions should be granted.