§ Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Defence, in the light of the loss caused to the Weymouth fleet of crabbing fishermen consequent upon the extension of the Army's use of Lulworth firing ranges, what negotiations have taken place with the fishermen; what compensation they have claimed; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. GilbertDiscussions have taken place between representatives of the Weymouth crab fishermen and the local Army authorities about the problems the fishermen are facing this week over the restriction of their activities arising from the British army equipment exhibition firepower demonstration. Although financial compensation was suggested by 193W the fishermen's representatives, the Army authorities were unable to agree to this but offered to cancel all firing on Wednesday 21st June and limit the firing to a total of three hours each on Tuesday 20th June and Thursday 22nd June, which are the days on which the firepower demonstration is taking place. We understand that this offer was not accepted by the fishermen's representatives.
We nevertheless hope that attempts will not be made to disrupt this demonstration on a range where we have enjoyed good relationships with the fishermen for many years.