HC Deb 25 November 1957 vol 578 cc797-9
32. Mr. Hoy

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now state the terms of reference and composition of the committee of inquiry to examine the present and future structure of the fishing industry as intimated by him to the House on 15th July, 1957.

38. Lady Tweedsmuir

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now announce the members of the committee of inquiry into the fishing industry and the terms of reference.

Mr. Amory

I am very glad to say that during the Recess Sir Alexander Fleck, K.B.E., F.R.S., agreed to act as Chairman of the Committee of Inquiry into the Fishing Industry. The other members of the Committee will be:—

  • Mr. H. W. Clements, C.B.E.
  • Rear-Admiral R. A. Currie, C.B., D.S.C.
  • Sir Alister Hardy, F.R.S.
  • Sir Graham Larmor.
  • Mr. I. W. Macdonald.
  • Mr. G. W. Middleton, C.B.E.
  • Mr. W. B. Reddaway.
The Committee's terms of reference will be: To assess, in relation to developments in fishing and the marketing of fish, the size and pattern, and implications, of an economic fishing industry in the U.K., and to report.

Mr. Hoy

In view of the right hon. Gentleman's long delay in setting up this Committee, can the House have an assurance that the Committee will get to work immediately and endeavour to expedite its report? Secondly, in view of the right hon. Gentleman's own statement about the peculiar position of the industry in Scotland, may we have an assurance that special attention will be given to that problem, as distinct from the rest of the country?

Mr. Amory

As to the first part of the supplementary, I do not think there has been any undue delay in setting up an inquiry of this importance. The decision in principle to have an inquiry was announced, I believe, in July. I have no doubt that the Committee will start its investigations at a very early moment.

As to the other part of the supplementary, I am sure that the Scottish problem will be regarded as a very important aspect of this inquiry and will receive full attention. If the hon. Gentleman studies the composition of the Committee, I think he will be satisfied that his fellow countrymen will have a chance of adjudicating on the question.

Lady Tweedsmuir

In view of the fresh responsibilities undertaken by Sir Alexander Fleck, I take it at the Prime Minister's request, on the Windscale inquiry, will that mean that there will be delay over that inquiry, or will it interfere with the work of this Committee?

Mr. Amory

No, I am glad to say that it will not do so. The Windscale inquiry is a short-term one and it will not interfere at all with this longer-term inquiry getting to work and immediately getting down to business.

Mr. Woodburn

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Sir Alexander Fleck has got a number of things on his plate, and is he satisfied that Sir Alexander, with all his ability, can give urgent and proper attention to this inquiry? Is the right hon. Gentleman further aware that since the debate took place in the House quite a number of vessels have been sold off down south? It may be that before the inquiry is finished there will be no industry to inquire into in Scotland if it is allowed to wither away without a decision being taken. Will the right hon. Gentleman see that urgency is given to the inquiry?

Mr. Amory

As to the first part of the supplementary, Sir Alexander Fleck has many responsibilities, but he is not a person who is likely to skimp any fresh responsibilities that he undertakes. On the contrary, I am of opinion that we are extremely lucky to have secured his services as chairman of this important inquiry.

As to the second part of the supplementary, I think the right hon. Gentleman takes a rather too depressing view of the immediate prospects. But, of course, it will be open to this Committee, if it wishes to do so, to present an interim report before presenting its final report.

Mr. Duthie

Can my right hon. Friend say what members of that Committee have any practical knowledge of the fishing industry?

Mr. Amory

The main object of this inquiry is to find people who are independent of the industry itself and so will be able to consider objectively the evidence that will be given to them from all sections and branches of the industry.