HC Deb 18 November 1964 vol 702 cc432-4
29. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will publish as a White Paper the recommendations recently made to him by the Chairman of the White Fish Authority.

32. Dame Irene Ward

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what action he intends to take on the proposals of the White Fish Authority put to him.

33. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what proposals have been placed before him by the White Fish Authority; and what action he is contemplating upon these.

41. Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, what progress has been made with the proposed statutory minimum prices scheme for white fish and a licensing system.

Mr. Hoy

My right hon. Friend has received no recommendations from the Chairman of the White Fish Authority. However, he expects to receive shortly a progress report on the discussions which the Chairman has been having with the industry about minimum prices, and he will consider the question of publication then.

The White Fish Authority did put certain proposals to my right hon. Friend's predecessor last year. Effect is being given to some of them through the Fishing Vessel Improvement Scheme and through additional aid for research.

Dame Irene Ward

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the White Fish Authority's Report distinctly says that proposals were made to his predecessor which could not be discussed because they were under consideration? Would it be possible now to disclose what the proposals were if there is going to be no answer to them; so that we shall know whether they ought to be answered or not?

Mr. Hoy

The proposals were made to the hon. Lady's right hon. Friend some considerable time ago. We do not think it would be particularly helpful to publish them now. As I have said in reply to the original Question. we are giving effect to two of the proposals that were contained therein.

Mr. Johnson

Is my hon. Friend fully aware that the larger companies in Hull are investing heavily in deep-water freezer vessels? Can he give an assurance that the White Fish Authority will step up research so that the industry may get the technical support which perhaps has been lacking in the past?

Mr. Hoy

Yes, we are aware of the considerable sums of money which are being expended in connection with new trawlers. In the field of research we are discussing with the White Fish Authority the best way in which to spend the money available for the betterment of the fleet.

Mr. Wolrige-Gordon

On the question of statutory minimum prices, is the hon. Gentleman aware that in many ports some such system has already been in operation, though on a voluntary basis? Can he now take steps to put teeth into the operation of such schemes in order to deal with individuals who do not subscribe to the regulations which have been voluntarily agreed upon?

Mr. Hoy

This scheme is being considered at present by the White Fish Authority. As soon as the Authority presents its report to us we will deal with the matter.

Mr. Wall

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that I supported the request for the publication of these recommendations by the Chairman of the White Fish Authority when we debated the matter? Why cannot the Minister publish them now?

Mr. Hoy

Of course, I am aware of that, but I do not think the House would expect me to go back to every letter received by the previous Minister and then authorise publication.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Is not my hon. Friend being a little pedantic when he says that no recommendation has been received from the White Fish Authority? Is not he aware that the White Fish Authority has given very close attention to the current needs of the fishing industry, and will he look at this with a view to shaping his course accordingly?

Mr. Hoy

My hon. and learned Friend perhaps did not hear what I said. I said that we were giving effect to two of the recommendations made by the White Fish Authority. As soon as we receive its further proposals we shall consider them.

Mr. Soames

When does the Minister expect to be able to reach a decision on the question of minimum prices?

Mr. Hoy

As I say, I have not yet had any further proposals from the White Fish Authority. When we get them from the Authority we shall come to a decision as soon as possible.