§ 21. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the uses of the Kelvin Hughes Fishermen's Asdic, the new form of acoustic detection of fish shoals, in relation to the fishing and over-fishing of the North Sea; and what regulations he proposes to make regarding the use of Asdic.
Mr. AmoryThis is in effect a horizontal echo-sounder designed to assist the use of drift nets and mid-water trawls. I understand the makers will not have the equipment on the market for several months. Scientific aids to the more efficient use of gear are to be encouraged and the conservation of the fish stocks is better sought in other ways.
§ Mr. HughesDoes the Minister realise that this invention can be used to minimise or maximise the problem of over-fishing, to increase or reduce damage, and therefore it should be subject to 560 very careful regulations in order scientifically to tackle this very grave problem of over-fishing in the North Sea?
Mr. AmoryYes. Of course it has not been proved commercially yet, but if it proves to be an efficient aid to catching fish, I think it is to be welcomed, because it will improve the productivity and efficiency of fishing and therefore tend to reduce costs. I am sure that the hon. and learned Member is not a Luddite, and would not wish to interfere with progress of that kind. Conservation of fish is a very important matter and, as the hon. and learned Member knows, that is being sought in other directions.