§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware 217W that fishermen are returning home now after five years' war service to find that their nets and floats have deteriorated so as to be valueless for fishing; and whether it is the intention of the Government to offer any compensation for such losses due to war service.
§ Mr. WestwoodI am aware that nets and gear which have been stored during the war will have deteriorated, and provision has been made under the Herring Industry and Inshore Fishing Industry Acts for financial assistance in case of need to fishermen, including in particular ex-Servicemen, towards the cost of new equipment. To provide compensation to fishermen for such deterioration would require special legislation, of which I see no prospect.