§ 11. Mr. Beechmanasked the Minister of Labour whether he will arrange for all home-water fishermen to receive the same consideration regarding call-up as near and middle-water trawlermen.
§ Mr. IsaacsNo, Sir. The arrangements to which reference was made by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture on 21st April do not apply to near and middle 190 water trawler men as a class. These arrangements, which are essentially of a temporary nature, provide for the suspension of call-up, for a limited period, of certain individuals, and have been introduced to meet exceptional, and, I hope, transitory difficulties in certain localities. There is no intention of extending them.
§ Mr. Douglas MarshallDoes the Minister know that his answer is entirely unsatisfactory and that this country is in desperate need of food, and will he reconsider this matter in view of the letter which I sent to him yesterday?
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir, I have the letter which the hon. Member sent me yesterday to which I will send a reply, but every care is taken in these matters. The District Inspector of Fisheries can make representations where any case of this kind requires his attention.
§ Mr. MarshallDoes the Minister mean that he will give consideration to this matter?
§ Mr. IsaacsI will give consideration to the point raised in the hon. Gentleman's letter, but I will not commit myself further.