26. Colonel Arthur Evansasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that the entire fleet of steam trawlers belonging to Messrs. Neale and West, of Cardiff, have been requisitioned for war purposes, on account of their vessels being 100 per cent. efficient; that, previous to war being declared, Cardiff trawler owners were notified during the discussions with the Ministry of Agriculture that a number of older vessels, not up to Admiralty standard, would be transferred to Cardiff, and so keep supplies going for the benefit of fishmongers, fish friers, hawkers and workers who depend upon these port landings for their livelihood; that the port of Cardiff has suffered complete annihilation in this respect, whilst the three competitive ports of Swansea, Milford Haven and Fleetwood are able to keep a large proportion of their fleet running; and whether, in view of these circumstances, he will arrange for a reasonable number of vessels to be re turned to this firm, in order that an effort can be made to retain a percentage of their business?
§ Mr. ShakespeareI am aware that 12 vessels belonging to Messrs. Neale and West have been requisitioned for naval purposes and I am investigating the possibility of releasing one or two of their 857 vessels, but in view of the small proportion of fishing trawlers eminently suitable for naval purposes and the large number of these vessels required by the Royal Navy for minesweeping and antisubmarine purposes, I am afraid I can hold out no hope of any appreciable number of modern trawlers'being released from requisition.
Colonel EvansWhile thanking my hon. Friend, may I ask him to use his influence to have a certain number of suitable trawlers transferred from other ports in accordance with the undertaking that was given by the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries to the Cardiff trawler owners before war was declared?
§ Sir A. Lambert WardIs my hon. Friend aware that out of 250 trawlers normally operating from the port of Hull, no fewer than 230 have been requisitioned, and if it is a question of transferring trawlers from other ports, will he give the first consideration to Hull?
Colonel EvansBefore my hon. Friend answers, is he aware that all the Cardiff trawlers have been commandeered and that there is not one left, and that therefore, Cardiff should have the first consideration?
§ Mr. ShakespeareWe appreciate the great inconvenience to those ports, not only Cardiff and Hull, but other ports, and any reasonable proposal we will readily consider; but the question of requisitioning other unemployed trawlers is not one that should be addressed to me. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will discuss the whole question with me later.