HC Deb 07 February 1940 vol 357 c230W
Mr. R. Gibson

asked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether, in view of the consequences to the national food supply of the rapid requisitioning of the boats belonging to members of the Clyde Fishermen's Association, he will consider the desirability of requisitioning first the fishing vessels now laid up before requisitioning those boats actually in use?

Mr. Churchill

The Admiralty, through the local representative officers, always makes every effort to requisition boats that are not fishing in preference to those that are fishing. It will be understood, however, that those boats which are laid up do not always meet the special Naval requirements, and it is then necessary to requisition those that are fishing. We are trying our best to safeguard the fishing industry.