Mr. Davidsonasked the First Lord of the Admiralty whether he is aware that fishing boats from Kintyre ports have been requisitioned, without due warning, in the middle of the fishing season; that the national food supply has been affected, unemployment created, and that none of the owners or men of the requisitioned boats have received any compensation; and what steps will be taken to rectify the position?
§ Mr. ShakespeareFor the prosecution of the war it is necessary to requisition further boats for Naval service. Every endeavour is made to spread this requisitioning fairly among the various fishing interests in this country, and only a comparatively small proportion of boats from Kintyre ports have been requisitioned so far. The hon. Member can rest assured that in this matter the Admiralty is doing its utmost to safeguard the interests of the fishing industry. Provisional payments on account of hire have been made to all the Kintyre owners who have sent in claims, and due compensation will, of course, be paid.