§ 28. Mr. Buckasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will take steps to instigate a full investigation into the losses sustained by the oyster industry through the recent exceptional weather; and if he will devise a scheme to provide the industry with appropriate assistance.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsI have nothing to add to the replies I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Maldon (Mr. B. Harrison) on the 20th and 25th March.
§ Mr. BuckWould my right hon. Friend say here and now that he accepts the principle that the oyster industry must receive assistance if it is to survive? Would not he agree that any delay in dealing with this matter will merely reveal whether this undoubted calamity is a total calamity? That is all that can be revealed by delay. Will my hon. Friend accept here and now the principle that assistance must be given to this industry?
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsNo, Sir.
Mr. B. HarrisonIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I wish to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.