§ 24. Mr. PETHERICKasked the President of the Board of Trade if he has considered the letter from the sea fishery committee of the Cornwall County 1972 Council calling his attention to the loss which will be incurred by fishermen engaged in catching crayfish if the proposed quota on shell-fish landed in France is imposed by the French Government; what action, if any, he has taken in the matter; and if he will consider the case of these fishermen in the trade negotiations with the French Government?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEMy right hon. Friend has considered the telegram sent to him by the Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee about the quota restrictions on lobsters and crayfish imposed by the French Government on the 26th January last. Following representations made by His Majesty's Government, the French Government have modified the quarterly division of the United Kingdom annual quota, so that the greatest proportion will be available during the fishing season. The question will be further borne in mind in the trade negotiations with the French Government.
§ Mr. PETHERICKWhile thanking my hon. Friend for that answer, may I ask whether he can say, after these negotiations with the French Government, what proportion of the previous exports to France we shall now maintain?
§ Lieut.-Colonel COLVILLEI could not say that without notice.