§ 12. Mr. Donnellyasked the Minister of Agriculture whether he is aware of the crisis in the hake fishing industry; and whether he will make a statement on the Government's long-term policy in relation to this industry.
§ Mr. NugentI am aware that the hake fisheries are suffering seriously from over-fishing, which can be effectively tackled only by international action. Her 1315 Majesty's Government have played, and will continue to play, a leading part in international action aimed at the conservation of the fisheries.
§ Mr. DonnellyIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there are a number of problems connected with the hake fishing industry? Overfishing is not the only one. There are such things as the need for research and more work by the White Fish Authority. Does the hon. Gentleman realise that this is a very serious matter? In my own port of Milford Haven, two years ago there were 90 or 100 trawlers; now there are only about 30 which are fishing effectively. Will he look into this matter in a much more urgent fashion, instead of talking about long-distance questions of conventions—and give an undertaking to make a statement upon the matter after the House reassembles?
§ Mr. NugentI assure the hon. Member that the Government regard this as a serious matter. As he will know, the hake fisheries have been deteriorating for a very long time, due to overfishing, and the only real answer is the control of fishing. As the House knows, we succeeded in introducing a minimum net size last year. We hope to see the result of that in the course of the next two or three years. In the meantime, research is going on. The White Fish Authority has already made several voyages and is continuing to press that aspect of the matter, and will do all that it can to help.
§ Mr. DonnellyWill the hon. Gentleman go a little further and agree to ask for a special report upon this matter from the White Fish Authority, so that we might be able to discuss it after the Recess?