§ 1. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the recent migration of herring in large numbers from the British to the Norwegian coast; and what steps he has taken to ascertain the reason for this particular migration in view of its effect upon the British fishing industry.
The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. W. M. F. Vane)Government scientists play a leading part in 2 the work of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea which keeps under investigation herring movements in the North Sea. I have received no report of unusual migration.
§ Mr. HughesDoes not the Joint Parliamentary Secretary realise that the migration of fish is of the utmost importance to the fishing industry and to the common wealth of Britain? Will he keep it under constant supervision, and publish forecasts of fish migration and keep the fishing industry apprised by publishing periodical charts in advance of the migration?
Mr. VaneWe understand the importance of migration, and it is one of the reasons why the special working group of the International Council is now studying this, but I think it would be a rash man who published charts of possible future migrations.