HC Deb 05 February 1918 vol 101 cc2126-7W
Mr. F. WHYTE

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he will take steps to release a proportion of the trawlers at present employed on naval patrol in order to increase the supply of fish for the home market?

Dr. MACNAMARA

I am afraid that in view of the constant and growing demand for trawlers it is only possible to release those trawlers which from time to time are found to be no longer of sufficient use to justify their retention by the Admiralty.

Mr. WHITE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he hat received a request that he should use his influence with the Admiralty to release a certain proportion of trawlers at present used on naval patrol, in order that the supply of fish may be increased; and what action he has taken to secure the compliance of the Admiralty with this pertinent demand?

Mr. CLYNES

The Food Controller is in censtant communication with the Admiralty on this important question, and is satisfied that the Admiralty are doing everything in Their power to release trawlers for fishing whenever they can be spared from naval duties.