Dog-fish and Basking Sharks

HC Deb 09 February 1954 vol 523 cc988-9

29. Mr. Grimond

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will arrange for experiments in the catching and processing of dog-fish and basking sharks for the production of oil and other products.

Mr. Henderson Stewart

The commercial possibilities of this fishery have already been discussed with the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board, and my right hon. Friend will ask them to consider, in the light of further information now being sought, what action, if any, should be taken.

Mr. Grimond

I am grateful to the hon. Member for that reply. May I ask if the Minister will draw the attention of the White Fish Authority to the fact that great quantities of basking sharks and dog-fish are caught by Norwegians round Shetland? There appears to be an insatiable market among the voracious public in Londonfor dog-fish under different names. Apart from the production of oil, there is the possibility of human food becoming available if the Authority will help.