§ Mr. Lawasked the Minister of Shipping whether, in view of the hardship which exists in the fishing ports in consequence of steam trawlers being requisitioned for war service, he will make the necessary exchange available for the purchase of foreign-owned trawlers; and whether, in order to allay the misgivings of sellers in neutral countries, he will give an undertaking on behalf of His Majesty's Government that any trawlers so purchased will not be used for war purposes?
§ Sir R. Dorman-SmithI have been asked to reply. The whole question of the buying of foreign trawlers is to be considered by an Advisory Committee which it has been decided to set up in connection with the producing side of the fishing industry. The first meeting of the committee is due to be held on Thursday next. With regard to the last part of my hon. Friend's question, my right hon. Friend the First Lord of the Admiralty has already given an undertaking of the character referred to.