HC Deb 02 February 1959 vol 599 cc20-1
31. Mr. Darling

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, in view of the threatened strike of trawler skippers and mates on 12th February, what action he is taking to ensure adequate supplies of fish to the public.

Mr. John Hare

If there were a strike, which I sincerely hope can be avoided, action would be for the fish trade who would be free to buy from any source available.

Mr. Darling

Surely the right hon. Gentleman is aware that if this strike took place, however one might sympathise with the trawler men in this business, it would be an industrial strike for political purposes? Is he aware of the dangers which would follow from that precedent in industry generally? In the circumstances, will he press his right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to take more vigorous action in getting negotiations going to settle this unfortunate business?

Mr. Hare

I can assure the hon. Member that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary is doing all he can to get a reasonable agreement, and he will continue to do so. We have made our position absolutely clear. I do not think it would be right for me to comment on the other part of the supplementary question, except to say that I entirely agree with the hon. Member that it would be a very sad thing for this country if this strike took place.

Sir A. V. Harvey

While we are all glad to see relations improved with Iceland, nevertheless we are anxious to see that our fishermen are given some protection during the summer months. Will my hon. Friend take care of their interests? Will he inform the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Darling) that if he wants to see the point of view of the skippers and the men I will gladly give him a "pair" for three weeks to go to Iceland or North Cape in a trawler?

Mr. Hare

I am sure the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hillsborough (Mr. Darling) heard what my hon. Friend said.

Mr. Darling

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that I put this question down because I was in Iceland only a year or two ago discussing this matter?

Sir A. V. Harvey

But the hon. Member did not go by trawler.