HC Deb 26 July 1955 vol 544 cc984-5
42. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Labour how many persons are engaged as fishermen in the United Kingdom; and to what extent this number shows a diminution during the last five years.

Mr. Watkinson

As the reply includes a table of figures, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Evans

Can the Parliamentary Secretary say in what category of the fishing industry there is a falling off in numbers? Is it in the far-distant waters, or middle waters?

Mr. Watkinson

The only figures I had intended to send to the hon. Member were the total of those regularly employed and those occasionally employed. They have decreased slightly in the last three years, but not to any material extent.

Following is the reply:

GREAT BRITAIN
ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF FISHERMEN EMPLOYED IN SEA FISHING
— Regularly employed Occasionally employed
1952 … … 28,063 5,437
1953 … … 27,414 5,357
1954 … … 26,244 3,594

Figures in precisely comparable form are not available for earlier years, but such figures as are available suggest that there was little change in the numbers between 1950 and 1952.

43. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware of the anxiety of the fishing industry on the manning of fishing vessels; and what plans he has to stimulate recruiting of manpower for the industry.

Mr. Watkinson

I am aware that there has been some difficulty this year at Lowestoft, in particular. Any steps that the industry may take to improve its arrangements for the recruitment and training of young persons would assist my officers in placing young men in this work.

Mr. Evans

Can the Parliamentary Secretary publicise the fact that the fishing industry provides a very fine career for young men and that the rate of promotion, certainly in certain aspects of the fishing industry, is very rapid and remunerative?

Mr. Watkinson

I entirely agree with what the hon. Gentleman has said, and I hope that his Question will do something to publicise the industry.

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