HC Deb 22 October 1945 vol 414 c1684
72. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture in view of the fact that the food situation demands increased supply of fish for our people and the supply has been diminished by insufficient fishing boats, what steps he is taking to get more boats for British fishing fleets built in our yards.

Mr. T. Williams

The shortage of fish supplies has been mainly due to the fact that a large proportion of the fishing fleets was taken during the war for naval service. Large numbers of these vessels are now being returned and are being reconditioned for fishing as speedily as possible. In addition, licences have been issued for the building of a certain number of new vessels. These measures should suffice to make up the present shortage of supplies in this country before any further building programme could become effective.

Mr. Hughes

Is it not a fact that foreign licences have had priority over British licences; and will my right hon. Friend intimate to the proper authority that priority should be given to British orders over foreign orders?

Mr. Williams

I cannot agree with the first part of my hon. and learned Friend's supplementary question.