HC Deb 14 November 1938 vol 341 cc493-5
57. Mr. Loftus

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that during the present autumn herring fishing the English and Scottish boats fishing from Lowestoft and Yarmouth have been restricted to 60 per cent. of full net capacity, and that in addition they have been constantly kept in port; and whether, in view of the fact that the Dutch, French and German herring boats fishing in the waters have been unrestricted and fished to full capacity, he will consider recommending subsidising the export of British herring owing to their dearer overhead costs due to this policy of restriction?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am aware that the English and Scottish herring drifters fishing from Lowestoft and Yarmouth have had to be restricted both as regards the number of landings and the number of nets used. This is understood to have been due to a variety of circumstances, including the long period of fair weather, the high percentage of small and lean herring in the catch, and the general high level of landings through the season. I understand, however, that exporters and curers do not anticipate difficulty in selling satisfactorily the herring which have been cured for export. The Government's proposals for assisting the herring industry are embodied in the Herring Industry Act, 1938, and I cannot recommend a further subsidy on the lines proposed.

Mr. Loftus

Is my right hon. Friend aware that there are 900 fewer Scottish and English fishermen engaged in the herring fisheries this year compared with last year, and further, is he aware that the decrease in the number of fishermen in Great Britain has been nearly 50,000 in 25 years?

Mr. Morrison

I am aware that there has been a decrease, although I do not pledge myself to my hon. Friend's figures; but, as he knows, the difficulty is not the catching of fish, but selling them when they have been caught.

Mr. Petherick

Would it not be possible to make a new trade agreement with Russia, since a large proportion of the herring is taken by Russia?

58. Mr. Loftus

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the members of the new Herring Industry Board have been appointed; and, if so, what are their names and qualifications?

Mr. Morrison

I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland hopes to be in a position to make an announcement on this subject to-morrow, and perhaps my hon. Friend will await that announcement.

59. Mr. Loftus

asked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware that the present East Anglian herring fishery has been a disastrous season for the English and Scottish fishermen; that the value of the catch landed at Lowestoft and Yarmouth is £238,000 less than for the corresponding period last year, and that few of the fishermen will receive any remuneration in excess of the weekly allowance; and whether, in view of this state of affairs he proposes any further measure to help the industry?

Mr. Morrison

The value of the catch landed at Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth for the period from 1st September to 12th November of this year was £454,000, which was £225,000 less than for the corresponding period last year. This decrease is mainly due to the abnormally large proportion of small herring during the season. On the other hand, there seems reason to believe that the operating costs have been lower than usual. Provision for further measures of assistance to the industry has already been made in the Herring Industry Act, 1938, and I do not consider that it is practicable to reopen the question of additional assistance.