§ 37. Mr. Boothbyasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that 12 trawlers are now tied up and deteriorating at King's Lynn; and if he will release these boats at the earliest opportunity.
Mr. AlexanderOnly nine of these vessels are trawlers, the others being yachts. Of the trawlers one is Dutch, and another a German prize. The disposal of both of these vessels is being negotiated with the appropriate authorities. The rest are British and were built between 1905 and 1918 and could only be converted for fishing at the expense of more modern and efficient vessels. Arrangements are being made to dispose of two of the yachts, the third is being used to accommodate the shipkeepers.
§ 40. Mr. J. J. Robertsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that a considerable number of ex-Servicemen are unemployed in Scotland, due to delay in the derequisitioning of former fishing boats; and what steps he proposes to take to expedite the release of these vessels, in order to ensure a speedy rehabilitation of demobilised fishermen, and thereby assist materially in augmenting the country's food supplies before the winter.
Mr. AlexanderThree hundred and twenty-two Scottish fishing boats comprising 168 drifters and 154 motor fishing vessels have been released from Naval service up to 19th October, 1945. Sixty-five drifters and 33 motor fishing vessels remain on Naval service. It is expected that the majority of these will have been released by the end of 1945.