HC Deb 10 July 1963 vol 680 cc1241-2
37. Mr. Hoy

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements he has mad; for Scottish fishing interests to be represented at the forthcoming inter national fisheries conference.

Mr. Noble

I am unable at this stage to say whether representatives of the fishing industries of the various countries concerned will be invited to participate directly in the proposed conference or whether it will be on an exclusively inter-Governmental basis; but I can assure the hon. Member that in any event the organisations representing Scottish fishing interests will be fully consulted about the matters to be discussed at the conference.

Mr. Hoy

Why all this delay? Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that as far back as April of this year the Lord Privy Seal, in making reference to the conference, said that this was a matter of great urgency and of outstanding importance to the fishing industry of our country? If three months have elapsed and the Government have not made up their mind about who will represent them, what confidence can the industry have in the negotiations that are about to start?

Mr. Noble

As the hon. Gentleman realises, when there is a conference involving a large number of nations, it is not for one nation to lay down exactly how the conference will be run.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this conference is taking place at Governmental level? He is in a particularly advantageous position to see that one of Scotland's major industries is properly represented. Will the right hon. Gentleman take steps to see that it is?

Mr. Noble

I have given the hon. Gentleman an assurance that the fishing interests will be fully consulted. I told him that a decision had not been taken as to whether or not it would be exclusively on an inter-Governmental basis.

Dame Irene Ward

If a Member of an English fishing port might intervene, may I ask my right hon. Friend whether, in making arrangements to consult all the interests concerned, he will consult the wholesale merchants and even the house wife who is interested in prices, so that we can all have a go in this matter?

Mr. Noble

I am sure that I and my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food will wish to consult all the interests concerned, and not least the hon. Lady.