§ Mr. Loftusasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that Richards Ironworks, Lowestoft, are receiving inquiries regarding the building of new Diesel trawlers and drifter trawlers, but 3336W that orders are hung up owing to the difficulties in ascertaining whether licences for fishing will be granted; and whether, in view of the fact that this delay is causing increased unemployment, he will take steps to expedite inquiry and decision on applications for licences for new fishing boats?s
§ Mr. W. S. MorrisonI am aware of the inquiries referred to by my hon. Friend, but unless and until a producers' marketing scheme is submitted to Ministers and confirmed, it is not possible to say whether any particular vessels intended to be used for fishing for white fish will come within the scope of such a scheme. Under Section 9 (2) (b) (ii) of the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1938, a producers' marketing board would have the power to refuse a licence to new vessels coming within the scope of a producers' marketing scheme and constructed or contracted for after 3rd November, 1937. Any such scheme must, however, make provision for enabling any person aggrieved by the refusal of the producers' board to grant a licence in respect of a boat, to appeal to the White Fish Commission.