HC Deb 25 November 1946 vol 430 c1253
47. Mr. Douglas Marshall

asked the Minister of Agriculture how many inshore fishing vessels have been built under the terms of the Inshore Fishing Industry Act, 1945.

The Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Thomas Williams)

Five inshore fishing boats have been built in Great Britain under the terms of the Inshore Fishing Industry Act, 1945, and contracts have been placed for a further 103 boats.

Mr. Marshall

Is not the Minister aware of the vital importance of the inshore fishing industry to our security arrangements? Is not he also aware that men coming out of His Majesty's Forces do not know of the facilities under the Act referred to, and will he therefore instruct his Department to give publicity to the matter?

Mr. Williams

I should have thought that full publicity had been given, otherwise the number of applicants would not have been quite so large. If the hon. Member has any suggestion to make about publicity I shall be glad to consider it.