HC Deb 05 March 1956 vol 549 cc1684-6
9. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will state the date, place and agenda of the latest meeting of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea; if he will make available a report of its proceedings and conclusions; and when and where the next meeting of that council will be held.

Mr. Amory

From 21st October to 2nd November, 1955, at Copenhagen, when about 70 papers dealing with different aspects of fishery research were considered. The Council will be publishing a report of the meeting as is its custom. The next meeting will be held at Copenhagen in October this year.

Mr. Hughes

Would the right hon. Gentleman make these documents available in the Library, please?

Mr. Amory

I will go beyond that. I will send to the hon. and learned Member a copy of the report when it is issued, if he will promise me that he will read it. Even without that promise, I shall send it.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that the number of Questions which I put to him on this subject is evidence that I do read the documents?

Mr. Amory

I have no doubt whatever that the hon. and learned Member will read this report.

10. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information he has from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea as to the growth or diminution of the established Arctic fishing area; as to the hydrographic conditions in the sea that govern the shoaling and migration of fish; and as to whether the disappearance of a commercial species of fish from one area leads to its re-appearance or replacement in another area of the sea.

Mr. Amory

Information from the Council indicates no recent changes in the Arctic fishing area except for a slight extension to the west of Greenland. The reports on hydrographic conditions disclose various features, such as a rise in the average temperature of the North Sea in recent years, which may at times modify traditional patterns in the migratory and shoaling behaviour of fish. I am advised that a general answer could not be given on present scientific information to the last part of the Question.

Mr. Hughes

While thanking the Minister for that Answer, may I ask whether he realises that over-fishing, scientific development and international competition have made more necessary than ever the work of this very important Council?

Mr. Amory

I agree with that. At any time I shall be glad to arrange for the hon. and learned Member to go on one of my fisheries research vessels—[Laughter]—for a six months' visit to the Arctic.

Mr. Hughes

Is the Minister aware that I have been hoping for that invitation for a long time, and that I shall be very glad to accept it?

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