§ 15. Sir B. Neven-Spenceasked the Minister of War Transport whether he is aware of the delay in completing off-surveys following the return of fishing vessels to their home ports; and if he is taking any steps to speed up the process.
§ Mr. BarnesAlthough there is an unavoidable shortage of expert surveyors to handle the volume of work arising from the release and reconditioning of shipping, I am not aware that there has been any serious delay in the return of fishing vessels to work because of inability to complete the "off-surveys" promptly. The return of the fishing vessels to their normal employment is governed rather by the shipyard resources available for converting them from war to fishing services. Clearly it would not be justified to make "off-surveys" at the expense of other important work if it is known that the necessary repairs and re-conversions cannot be put in hand for several months.