§ 37. Major Petherickasked the First Lord of the Admiralty why police officers, being officials approved by the Government, have been refused permits to fish when off duty in the sea from their own boats?
§ The First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. V. Alexander)In tidal waters along the East, South and South-West coasts of England from Berwick-on-Tweed to the boundary of Devon and Somerset near Lynmouth Foreland, vessels normally used for private or pleasure purposes must be immobilised unless their owners are in possession of a permit. For security reasons, it is not possible to grant permits to owners of this class of vessel to engage in pleasure fishing in the open sea.
§ Major PetherickAre we to understand that police officers who are themselves engaged in security work cannot receive permits from the flag officer in charge? Is it not perfectly absurd?
§ Mr. AlexanderI think it is obvious that these officers who may wish to fish in their spare time from their own boats must be treated exactly like all other citizens.
§ Mr. SimmondsWill the right hon. Gentleman have the whole question of fishing near the coast reconsidered?
§ Mr. AlexanderIt has been under the most careful consideration.
§ 41. Flight-Lieutenant Raikesasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether full-time fishermen are allowed to take members of the public to sea with them under existing Admiralty regulations?
§ Mr. AlexanderNo, Sir. It is a condition of the issue of a fishing permit, which the skipper of every British fishing vessel must possess before proceeding to sea, that no passengers are to be carried.
§ Flight-Lieutenant RaikesDoes the right hon. Gentleman see any danger to public security in full-time licensed fishermen having an opportunity of taking passengers to sea?
§ Mr. AlexanderOn all these matters I have to be advised by those who are experienced in security and, based upon their actual experience, I accept their advice.