§ 58. Mr. CHARLES WILLIAMSasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has yet come to any arrangement with the French and Belgian Governments on the question of the size of mesh to be used for fishing nets?
§ The MINISTER of AGRICULTURE (Major Elliot)No arrangement on this subject has been made with any foreign Government. The matter was, however, considered by the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea at its annual meeting last May, and it was agreed that the question of minimum size limits for fish and regulation of the mesh of fishing nets should be specially discussed at next year's meeting of the council. I anticipate that, as a result of this discussion, a considered report with recommendations on the subject will be made to the Governments of the 14 countries, including France and Belgium, represented on the council.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSAre we to understand that this is to last for a year, and will my right hon. Friend in the meantime issue strict orders to ensure that these foreign fishing boats are not landing undersized fish?
§ Major ELLIOTOh, certainly, the law as to size will be strictly enforced.
§ Mr. WILLIAMSYes, but will the right hon. Gentleman be a little more energetic in this matter?
§ Major ELLIOTI do not think I can be more energetic in saying that the limits as to size will be enforced.