HC Deb 24 February 1954 vol 524 cc374-5
13. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Food what evidence he has to show that British trawlers have been unable to meet the consumer demand for fish.

Major Lloyd George

Except in bad weather landings of British caught cod and allied varieties are more than adequate. Prime and flat fish of the more popular sizes and varieties is naturally less plentiful. Moreover, inshore and near waters have been fished so extensively in recent years that yields have fallen.

Mr. Hall

Would my right hon. and gallant Friend agree that his answer shows that British trawlers can at any rate catch all the deep-water fish that is required for home consumption and that that makes us independent of foreign Governments?

Major Lloyd George

In the case of distant waters, where cod and similar varieties are found, the very modern fleet we have today can catch more than an adequate supply.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Would the Minister consult with the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs with a view to devising means of resolving the international disputes which are inhibiting the work of British trawler owners and depriving the British public of succulent food?

Major Lloyd George

The hon. and learned Member will appreciate that we are always in contact on this problem.

Mr. G. R. Howard

Can my right hon. and gallant Friend say what percentage of landings has been lost in this country since the ban on landings from Icelandic trawlers?

Major Lloyd George

A comparatively small percentage.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that the consumer is very dissatisfied over the price of fish? Can he give information about the joy of Grimsby and Hull trawler owners at being able to do something under the present Government that they have not been able to do before, namely, preventing landings of fish which would have made fish much cheaper than it is at the moment?

Major Lloyd George

I am sorry to disagree with the hon. Lady. If she will look at the figures for the last two or three years, she will find that the price has been extraordinarily stable.

Mrs. Braddock

Far too high.