§ 11. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture what steps the Government is now taking alone and in conjunction with foreign governments to deal with the problem of over-fishing in the North Sea and other seas to which British fishermen have access.
§ The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (Sir Thomas Dugdale)The governments signatory to the International Fisheries Convention of 1946 have agreed to apply in their several countries by 5th April, 1954, the requirements of the Convention in regard to the minimum size of mesh of nets and the minimum size-limits of fish which may be landed or sold. The minimum size-limit provisions are already in force in the United Kingdom under the Sea Fishing Industry (Immature Sea Fish) Order, 1948. The new minimum sizes of mesh will be introduced with effect from 5th April, 1954, by means of an Order to be laid before the House in due course.
Her Majesty's Government hope that the Permanent Commission now established under the 1946 Convention will be able to agree upon such further measures as may be necessary to conserve the fish stocks and to prevent over-fishing in the waters covered by the Convention. This is essentially a matter for international agreement among the fishing nations of Western and Northern Europe.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that that is rather a legalistic answer, and will he explain in plain language what will be the effect of what has happened on the fishing industry and on the larder of the housewife?
§ Sir T. DugdaleIn perfectly plain language, I am very satisfied with the way this body is starting. They came together early in the year, they got on 566 extremely well together, and I am satisfied that they have the intention to make the thing work.
§ Mr. D. MarshallMy right hon. Friend mentioned several countries. Can he say whether Spain is one of those countries?
§ Sir T. DugdaleYes, Sir.