HC Deb 10 February 1955 vol 536 cc2046-8
33. Major Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of British fish supplies was landed in Great Britain by Icelandic vessels before the 1952 ban on such landings; how far the deficiency caused by the lack of Icelandic landings has since been made good by the British trawler industry; and to what extent the landed price of fish in Great Britain has been affected.

Mr. Amory

Imports of Icelandic-caught fish amounted to 4.5 per cent. of total supplies in 1950 and 6.2 per cent. in 1951. British-caught supplies in each of the years 1952, 1953 and 1954 were higher than in 1950 and lower than in 1951. Average port prices for all fish fell in 1952–53 and recovered last year to 1951 levels.

Major Wall

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the ban on Icelandic landings can in no way be termed a restrictive practice; that it is the only weapon that the industry has to combat the unilateral action of the Icelandic Government in closing vast areas of water to our fishermen, and so increasing the danger which the men face? Would he also agree that, even though Icelandic fish has not been landed, other countries have been landing fish in this country throughout the last two years.

Mr. Amory

Other foreign fish are certainly being landed in this country. I really do not think that it would be useful for me to comment very much about the first part of my hon. and gallant Friend's question. Her Majesty's Government wish to see this dispute brought to an end.

Mr. T. Williams

What steps have been taken by the Government to try to bring this dispute to a reasonable conclusion?

Mr. Amory

Her Majesty's Government have been quite active in this matter. I would ask the right hon. Gentleman specifically to refer any inquiries which he has to the Foreign Secretary.

Mrs. Braddock

Is the Minister aware that the attitude of the British Trawler Owners' Association is exactly that which was anticipated? They have now reached a position where they can control the price of fish which is to be sold to British housewives. In view of that, will he consult the Foreign Secretary to see whether new approaches can be made to, and new arrangements made with, Iceland to settle this dispute and put the matter in order?

Mr. Amory

I do not think that I can accept the conclusion mentioned by the hon. Lady in the first part of her supplementary question. As to the second part, I am in very close touch with my right hon. Friend on this matter.