HC Deb 23 February 1932 vol 262 cc222-3W
Mr. WEST RUSSELL

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in deciding whether fresh fish is British-caught or foreign-caught, he will impose any conditions on the employment of British subjects in all ships with a British port of register; and, if not, what are the objections to this course?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I presume my hon. Friend desires that the employment of aliens in British fishing boats should be restricted. The Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act, 1919, provides that no alien shall act as skipper or second hand of such a boat. Apart from the general regulations governing the landing of aliens in this country, there are no other restrictions on the employment of aliens in British fishing boats. The number of aliens so employed, however, is insignifi- cant, and no useful purpose would be served by the imposition of further restrictions at the present time.