§ 16. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received in favour of establishing a six-mile fisheries limit off the British coast.
§ Mr. SoamesRepresentations have been made to my Department from the Association of Sea Fisheries Committees and from a joint deputation representing the English and Welsh Inshore Fishermen's Associations, Scottish inshore and herring fishermen, and the Chambers of Trade of several Yorkshire coast towns.
§ Mr. WallIs my right hon. Friend aware that there is very strong feeling on this matter along the Yorkshire coast? Would he agree that although the earlier balance of advantage might have been against Britain extending the limit, now that so many other nations have increased their fishery limits this argument is no longer valid? Would he be prepared to receive further representations on this matter?
§ Mr. SoamesI cannot accept that the argument is no longer valid. We are watching this all the time. It is a question of a balance of interests. My hon. Friend will be aware that about 10 per cent. of the fish for this country is caught by our inshore fleet around our own shores. The remaining 90 per cents caught off other shores. This is a matter of balance of advantage which we are constantly keeping in mind.
§ Mr. PagetWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether this applies to the Isle of Lundy and whether the local artillery has adequate range?