§ 55. Mr. G. R. Howardasked the Minister of Agriculture what aid is to be afforded to shell fishermen and pilchard fishermen owing to the rise in the cost of production, having particular regard to the fact that they are not included for benefit from the proposed subsidy on white fish.
Mr. T. WilliamsThe definition of white fish will, for the purposes of the subsidy, include pilchards but not shellfish. Shellfish are not a staple food; the catch is small and most of it is taken by methods much less costly than those used for catching fish on which the subsidy will be paid.
§ Mr. HowardIs the Minister aware that these small crabbers are suffering from the increased cost of gear and cost of production generally, and does he not think that they should benefit from such a subsidy?
§ Sir T. DugdaleCan the Minister say when this extension of the subsidy was first announced? It would appear that this extension has not been widely known. It has been announced privately since one of my hon. Friends put down a Question on the Order Paper.
Mr. WilliamsMy recollection is that the Prime Minister answered a Question a week last Tuesday in the House which referred to the subsidy.
§ Sir T. DugdaleBut not about pilchards and mackerel.
§ Mr. HowardIs the Minister aware that the first announcement was a private one, which was published in a local paper before it was announced in the House?