§ 56. Mr. ARTHUR MICHAEL SAMUELasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he has conferred with the public authorities of the districts between King's Lynn and Cromer with a view to increasing the shell fisheries, as a result of the information provided by the Conway Research Station Report, in regard to mussel fisheries in particular?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Noel Buxton)The Report referred to by the hon. Member deals with the question of re-opening mussel beds which have been closed on account of pollution. I have no evidence that this has taken place in the districts referred to. There has been no occasion, therefore, for me to confer with the local authorities.
§ 57. Mr. SHAKESPEAREasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will facilitate, by loan or grant, the reviving of the oyster beds on the North Norfolk coast, in view of the favourable Report of the recent inquiry?
§ Mr. BUXTONIt would be open to local authorities interested, or an association of persons not trading for profit, to apply for a grant or loan from the Development Fund for the purpose referred to in the question. I would suggest, however, that it would be a considerable advantage to have in the first place the benefit of the opinion of the Sub-Committee on the Fishing Industry, 32 presided over by my right hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, which will no doubt include the development of oyster fisheries in the scope of its inquiry.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman prepared to receive an application for a Provisional Order, and is he aware that a leading firm of wholesale fish merchants are willing to provide sufficient capital if a Provisional Order is granted?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have not had that information, but I shall be very glad to deal with it when I get it.
§ Mr. SAMUELIs the right hon. Gentleman ready to receive an application for a Provisional Order?
§ Mr. BUXTONI shall be very glad to do so.
§ Mr. SAMUELWill he receive it—[Interruption.]
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member's question has been answered.