HC Deb 02 December 1947 vol 445 c200
64. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the acute shortage of herring fishing nets; and what steps he is taking to improve the position.

Mr. Belcher

I am aware that supplies of herring drift nets are at times difficult, but I am satisfied that the manufacturers are doing their utmost within the limits imposed on them by shortages of materials and labour.

Air-Commodore Harvey

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that that is not good enough, that herring nets ordered now will not be delivered until well into 1949, and that the Scottish drifters have had to return from East Anglia because they have not nets? As the British will have to depend for food to a great extent on herrings, will he treat this matter with the utmost urgency?

Mr. Belcher

The matter is being treated as a most serious one. We are prepared to do all we can to assist manufacturers, but there are difficulties of labour and materials. However, we have had no representations from the industry until today.