Mr. MACOUISTENasked the Minister of Transport whether he will give instructions that the harbour at Ardrishaig should be dredged, seeing that it has not been dredged for over 50 years and that fishing boats ground there except at high water; that the canal autho-thorities refrain from dredging the said harbour so as to compel the fishermen to use the canal basin and pay a charge for so doing; and, if the harbour is not to be dredged, will he take steps to reduce the charge for the use of the canal basin by fishermen by at least 50 per cent.?
§ Mr. HERBERT MORRISONAs the hon. Member is aware, the question of dredging this harbour has been recently considered, and it was decided that the expenditure involved would not be justified as the dredging is not required in the general interests of the Lochfyne fisheries, but would only benefit a few individuals. I do not see any sufficient grounds for altering this decision or for reducing the dues, which do not appear to be excessive.