HC Deb 26 January 1961 vol 633 cc314-5
8. Mr. Crosland

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he proposes to take to implement the recommendations of the Fleck Report.

13. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the Fleck Report.

15. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the extensive unemployment in the trawler building industry, and the important contribution which the Fleck Report can make to the problems of unemployment and shipbuilding especially in Aberdeen; and if he will take urgent steps to implement the relevant recommendations of that Report.

Mr. Soames

I should like to take this opportunity of thanking Sir Alexander Fleck and the members of his Committee for the valuable and lucid Report that they have produced.

My colleagues and I are studying it and have asked the organisations concerned to submit their comments on it as soon as possible. These will be considered and we will be having discussions with the industry. I expect to be able to make a statement in the summer.

Mr. Hughes

Does not the Minister think that so authoritative and constructive a Report as the Fleck Report should have immediate attention, especially in view of the unemployment in the shipyards and the needs of the fishing industry? Will the Minister take those observations into account with a view to having the Report implemented at a very early date?

Mr. Soames

Yes, indeed. The Committee took three years to produce its detailed and very valuable Report, and I am anxious to give the industry full time to consider it.

Mr. de Freitas

Does the Minister realise that, although the recommendations may be widely accepted, they have caused much alarm in small communities which depend to a large extent on inshore herring fishing?

Mr. Soames

I do not wish to commit myself at this stage by commenting on the Report itself, because I wish to consider it and the views of the associations.

Mr. Jeger

Among the organisations which the Minister will consult, will he include the trade unions concerned so that the workers in the fishing industry —those who fish and those who build fishing vessels—may make their views known through their respective organisations?

Mr. Soames

I will take into account what the hon. Gentleman says.

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