HC Deb 29 May 1919 vol 116 c1436W
Sir ARCHIBALD WILLIAMSON

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether British trawlers are being lent to the United States Government; whether the shortage of the food supply of this country has first been considered; and whether the British fishing industry could make use of all suitable boats owned by the British Government?

Dr. MACNAMARA

Yes, Sir. A number of Admiralty-owned trawlers, not complete for fishing purposes, were lent to the United States Government for work in connection with the clearance of mines in the North Sea. I am sure my right hon. Friend will realise that the clearance of the seas from mines is a very urgent matter, and though I do not doubt the British fishing industry could have made use of these trawlers, when they had been made ready for fishing, little good can be derived from pursuing that contention so long as the seas remain unswept.