§ 55. Mr. Dribergasked the Minister of Agriculture if, in his discussions with the authorities concerned with the organisation and welfare of the fishing industry, he will see to it that sympathetic and full consideration is given to the special problems of the smaller fishing villages.
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir.
§ Mr. DribergWill the right hon. and gallant Gentleman bear in mind that, although the contribution made by these smaller places is relatively small, their fishing industry does represent a way of life and a useful alternative employment for their people, and their fishing fleets have dwindled in the last 20 years from perhaps a 100 to about a dozen, and would it not be very unfortunate if they died out altogether?
§ Sir T. DugdaleI am well aware of what the hon. Member has said, and, in fact, the Authority is also aware of the importance on social as well as the economic grounds of arresting the drift 567 of men from the industry, which has been going on for a number of years. In view of that, the Chairman of the Authority recently visited a number of small fishing centres in order to familiarise himself with some of the problems.