§ 24. Mr. Awberyasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is aware of the shortage of fish in Germany while at the same time there are fishing boats and fishermen idle in the port of Bremen; and if he will remove the difficulties which prevent these men carrying out their avocation and increase the facilities for fishing.
§ Mr. MayhewFishing matters are now the responsibility of the German authorities. The German authorities have been authorised to construct 100 trawlers; meanwhile 15 others are being hired. So far as I am aware, there are no fishing boats or fishermen idle in the port of Bremen, which is in the United States zone of occupation, but if my hon. Friend will inform me of the difficulties he has in mind I will make inquiries.
§ Mr. AwberyIs it necessary for the Germans to have permission from the British before they can send their ships to sea?
§ Commander NobleCan the Minister say how many of the hundred fishing vessels which the Germans were authorised to construct have in fact been started?
§ Mr. MayhewI should require notice of that question.
§ Mr. Douglas MarshallIn view of the Minister's reply that the German authorities are now in charge of fishing, can he state whether Germany has, in fact, signed the International Convention on Fishing?
§ Mr. MayhewGermany has not, Sir.