§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the President of the Board of Trade if he is aware of the shortage of herring drift-nets and the statements of manufacturers to the effect that delivery of new nets cannot be promised earlier than April, 1948; also of the steep rise in prices of nets which now cost £12; and what action he is taking to prevent a further rise in prices and to expedite delivery of nets so that the herring-fishing fleet may be equipped for the present year's activities.
§ Mr. BelcherI am aware of the shortage of herring drift nets. Manufacturers are producing to their maximum capacity against the very large demands for these nets. Delivery will necessarily be delayed in many cases. I have no reason to believe that the increased prices of nets are out of line with the increased costs of materials and manufacture.