HC Deb 14 June 1951 vol 488 cc2490-2
17. Mr. Duthie

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he will make a statement concerning the provision of manila cordage for the fishing industry.

Sir H. Shawcross

Yes, Sir. As the hon. Member for Bodmin (Mr. D. Marshall) was informed on 12th April, the importation of an additional 4,000 tons of manila hemp has been allowed specially for making into fishing gear for our fishermen at the rate of 1,000 tons per quarter. I understand that adequate purchases have been made by manufacturers, that the manila is arriving in regular quantities, and that ropes and twine made from it will be available for purchase by our fishermen after 1st July for early delivery. As the 4,000 tons may not be sufficient to meet all the fishermen's demands, arrangements are being made to ensure a fair distribution among users to whom the manila will be most valuable on the basis of certificates issued by local fishery officers.

Mr. Duthie

Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman inform the House and the fishing industry how the price of this manila compares with the price of sisal? Can he give an assurance that there will be continuity of supply after the present purchase has been exhausted?

Sir H. Shawcross

I cannot include myself among the prophets as to the future, but the prices of manila ropes and manila seine ropes are at present £271 5s. and £283 15s. per ton as compared with sisal ropes at £279 10s. and £292.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can the right hon. and learned Gentleman give us an assurance that these increased supplies will not be available to foreign fishermen?

Sir H. Shawcross

Yes, I said in my answer that these supplies are being provided on the certificates of local fishery officers so as to ensure a fair distribution.

Mr. J. J. Robertson

Will some preference be given to the clamant needs of the inshore fishing industry as against the deep sea fishing industry, particularly in Scotland? I should like an assurance about that.

Sir H. Shawcross

That, I think, is a question that would more properly be addressed to the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, but I have no doubt that the local fishery officers are paying due regard to those considerations in issuing the certificates.

Mr. Grimond

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that while these supplies of manila rope are very welcome to the industry, and especially to the inshore industry—if they are available for that part of the industry—the continuing high cost of gear is a very serious matter indeed to all fishermen? Is he in touch with the White Fish Authority on this subject with a view to carrying out experiments in the use of other materials and other methods to reduce the cost of gear?

Sir H. Shawcross

That is a question of which I should want notice.

Mr. Joynson-Hicks

Would the right hon. and learned Gentleman clarify the matter a little by saying whether the distribution of this material comes under his Department or under the Ministry of Agriculture? I do not quite see how it will be worked out.

Sir H. Shawcross

Distribution to the fisherman is made on certificates by the local fishery officers of the Ministry of Agriculture. The actual distribution is in the hands of the Board of Trade.