HC Deb 24 March 1965 vol 709 cc551-2
27. Mr. Derek Page

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on increased aid to the shellfish industry.

55. Mr. Buchanan-Smith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what official assistance is available for shellfishers; what representations he has received about the inadequacy of this assistance; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Hoy

Shellfishers receive assistance in a number of forms, including grants and loans for their vessels and engines and loans for their gear. I have received two representations for a subsidy. The present position of the industry does not suggest that increased assistance would be justified.

Mr. Page

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the imports of shellfish in 1964 were about £1 million in value above 1963, and does not he agree that we could supply a lot more of our own requirements if we had suitable processing plant? Will he give sympathetic consideration to any suitable schemes put forward by the fishermen?

Mr. Hoy

I can give an assurance that schemes put forward will receive consideration. Regarding the importation of shellfish, there is a substantial amount of protection for our own market.

Mr. Scott-Hopkins

Is the Minister aware that there is a great deal of disquiet among the shell fishermen about the activities of skin divers whom they accuse of wrecking the shellfish beds? Will he look at the matter carefully, particularly in relation to Cornwall, where the fishermen are extremely anxious to see that the Sea Fisheries Committee function properly?

Mr. Hoy

I am aware of the problem, and we have looked at it. So far the evidence does not show that damage is being done, but I can assure the House that I shall keep the matter under review, because I should not like anything to happen that would damage the prospects of the shell fishermen.

Mr. Driberg

Can my hon. Friend say something about oysters? Can he say whether his research establishment at Burnham-on-Crouch is carefully watching the effects on the oyster spat in the Blackwater of the effluent from the nuclear power station just opposite, which is hot, highly chlorinated, and slightly radioactive?

Mr. Hoy

The question of oyster beds has received considerable attention. They form a valuable part of the shell fishermen's products. In our research establishments we have been giving a lot of attention to them, not only in connection with the problem raised by my hon. Friend, but with conditions in other parts of the country.