HC Deb 25 February 1946 vol 419 cc1541-3
19. Major Sir Basil Neven-Spence

asked the President of the Board of Trade if, in view of the fact that fishing net licences already issued have exhausted the capacity available for home fishing for the remainder of the current allocation period up to 30th June, 1946, he will forthwith reduce the quota of nets for export to the extent necessary to meet the full requirements of the home fishing industry.

Sir S. Cripps

The fish netting produced by the United Kingdom is distributed most carefully. Many parts of the world rely for food supplies on the export of this production, and foreign netting production has been greatly diminished by war. We have, however, been able to make a small increase in the current quota for home fishing in order to relieve cases of hardship amongst inshore fishermen.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the Minister aware that by making the allocation now vessels will be unable to fish for the next three months because of the lack of foresight in giving this extra allocation?

Sir S. Cripps

I am not aware of that fact.

25. Mr. Boothby

asked the President of the Board of Trade what steps he is taking to make essential supplies of drift and seine nets immediately available to fishermen.

Sir S. Cripps

Available machine netting capacity is quite insufficient to meet the very large demands made thereon. As a concession and with the object of relieving cases of individual hardship among inshore fishermen, a small additional allocation of cotton nets for home fishing has been authorised, against which licences will be issued in approved cases.

Mr. Boothby

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that a number of seine net fishing boats are at the moment held up in port because of the lack of nets, and can he say when these additional supplies will be issued?

Sir S. Cripps

They will be issued as soon as the matter has been investigated. The allocation has been made, and it is now a question of investigating to see which are the most deserving cases.

Mr. Boothby

Arising out of that answer, I beg to give notice that I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment.