HC Deb 17 November 1955 vol 546 cc768-9
35. Sir R. Boothby

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that the failure of the autumn herring fishing at Yarmouth and Lowestoft has been attributed by research officers of his Department to the intensive trawling in recent years of immature herring by continental fleets operating off the Danish coast and in the spawning grounds of the English Channel; and whether he will approach the Governments of the continental countries directly concerned with a view to holding an international conference to consider what action can be taken to prevent the destruction of the sources of supply of this important industry.

36. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the complete failure of the East Anglian herring fishing and of the grave losses incurred by owners, merchants and fishermen in consequence; whether he is aware that this failure is related to the modern method of trawling for herring practised by continental fishers whereby immature fish are caught before spawning for fish meal; and whether he will take steps to secure international agreement to prohibit this practice.

Mr. Amory

I am greatly concerned at the poor herring catches this East Anglian season. The causes are not yet fully undestood and are being studied by my fisheries research staff. While it is possible that the increase in trawling, especially for immature herring, may have some bearing, the weight of scientific opinion is that this is far from proved to have had a major effect on the East Anglian fishery this season.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which is the forum of fisheries science of the Western and Northern European countries, is studying the matter. The International Fisheries Convention of 1946 does not embrace herring, but discussions are in progress with the other member countries with a view to concluding a wider convention.

Sir R. Boothby

If the right hon. Gentleman gets further information from his research officers leading to the conclusion that this trawling has a bearing on the present failure of the autumn fishing, will he get into direct touch with the Governments concerned through the usual diplomatic channels?

Mr. Amory

Yes, Sir, I will most certainly do that. I agree that it is a most disastrous season for herrings. I went out myself for two days in a fishery protection vessel and we patrolled the North Sea. I have never caught fewer fish.

Mr. Evans

Is the Minister aware that the present-day members of families of fishermen who have fished these waters for generations are firmly convinced that this over-fishing by trawling is one of the major factors? Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the letter in The Times today from the town clerk of Whitby saying that at Whitby they are having a more successful season than last year? Will the Minister prosecute to the fullest extent research into this very difficult problem which is causing great anxiety and loss in my constituency—to the extent of half-a-million pounds on catches last year?

Mr. Amory

I could not agree more with the lion. Member as to the seriousness of the situation. I assure him that we will give full weight to the possibility that over-trawling—the catching of immature fish—may be one of the explanations.