asked the Postmaster-General whether he is aware that the Post Office telegraph ship "Alert" laid a buoy on the drift-net fishing grounds in the Straits of Dover on the night of the 6th-7th December, 1933, without giving previous notice of intention to do so and without employing effective means of warning the fishing vessels of its presence, with the result that the nets of several drifters were damaged or destroyed, at a cost to the fishermen of £422; and whether compensation will be paid for this financial loss which the fishermen are not in a position to bear?

I am assured that all customary precautions were taken on this occasion as regards both lighting the buoys and warning shipping, and that there is no reason to believe that the loss or damage of these nets was due to any fault of the Post Office. I regret that I am not able to admit a claim for compensation.

If I bring further facts forward for the right hon. Gentleman, will he give the matter further consideration?

Yes, Sir, I will.