§ Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Shipping, whether he is aware that Clyde fishermen, who had their boats requisitioned in November, 1939, are still receiving only a small sum per month to account of the hire of these boats; that there is delay in paying even this sum; that, in consequence of the requisitioning these fishermen have in store gear amounting to £300 or more in each case lying in store unremunerative and deteriorating; that the delay in fixing a reasonable rate for the hire of these boats is causing great hardship; and when he proposes to fix rates for the hire of these boats and arrange for prompt payments?
§ Mr. CrossIt has not yet been possible to fix rates of hire for motor fishing boats as these have to be considered in conjunction with other classes of fishing vessels and a number of associations representing fishing vessel owners have had to be consulted with a view to agreeing rates. I hope, however, shortly to make a definite proposal to the Clyde Fishermen's Association regarding rates of hire. My Department will also be prepared to give special consideration to deterioration of gear. In the meantime monthly advances on account of hire have been paid and, while the amount of these may naturally be considered inadequate by some of the owners, this is clearly a matter on which opinions may differ. Every effort is made to pay these advances punctually and I am not aware of any arrears outstanding at present.