§ 42. Mr. C. WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he will confer with the Dutch and German Governments for the purpose of carrying out a joint policy of resting or preserving or restocking the nearer demersal fishery grounds, which have become less productive between the latitude 60 degrees north and 50 degrees north, and between the longitude 20 degrees west and 10 degrees east?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Noel Buxton)The subject of the economical exploitation of the fisheries is being constantly studied by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, of which not only the two Governments named, but the Governments of all the countries fishing within the area specified are members. The possibility of limiting fishing operations in certain areas of the sea has been considered on the suggestion of the Council but an the opinion of His Majesty's Government the practical difficulties, including the cost, of the enforcement of such a limitation, rule out the possibility of its adoption. The Council are, however, examining the possibility of avoiding the wasteful destruction of small fish by means of modifications of the 914 fishing gears at present in use, which, if they could be shown to be satisfactory, might be generally adopted.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSWill the right hon. Gentleman see that no modifications are made in fishing gear which might add enormous burdens to the trawling industry; and further, will he consider in more detail setting aside certain grounds as, for instance, the Firth of Forth for preservation?
§ Mr. BUXTONThat arrangement will certainly be borne in mind.