§ Mr. WASONasked the Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that, by the sinking of block ships in the channel of Holme Sound, Orkney, the access of ships engaged in the herring fishing industry to the pier of St. Mary's Holme has been rendered impossible, and that the interests of a considerable number of fishermen and curers have been, and are likely to be, gravely prejudiced thereby; when the obstructions are likely to be removed; and if, in the meantime, he will consider what compensation shall be paid to those whose business and property have been, and will be, affected by the failure to remove such obstructions?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe Admiralty have always had in mind the desirability of opening up, as soon as conditions permit, the navigable channels previously used by commercial traffic and which it has been necessary to close during the War. I am advised that though the direct 239W approach to St. Mary's Holme Pier for vessels fishing east of the Orkneys is at present obstructed, it is possible for them to approach St. Mary's by a somewhat longer route. I am not in a position at present to state when the obstruction will be removed, and, as regards compensation, it would appear that the chief ground for any such claim would rest on such loss of time and extra expense as would be involved in reaching the pier by the somewhat longer route instead of by the direct route. Any claim for compensation to the parties affected would fall to be dealt with by the Defence of the Realm Losses Commission.