HC Deb 02 March 1966 vol 725 cc1272-4
9. Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress he has made in his discussions with the White Fish Authority and other interested parties regarding the introduction of a minimum pricing scheme for white fish.

20. Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the proposed statutory minimum prices scheme for the fishing industry.

47. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has come to a decision about the future introduction of a minimum prices scheme, following his discussions with the White Fish Authority.

Mr. Peart

The Government accept the principle of a statutory minimum price scheme for white fish. I have accordingly informed the White Fish Authority that, if it promotes a scheme in accordance with the statutory procedure, we shall be prepared to consider it on its merits and in the light of our international obligations. The Government cannot, however, promise a contribution to the cost of a scheme.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a pretty unsatisfactory reply? Has it not taken an interminable time even to produce this reply? How can he be in a position to consider the scheme when he will not even be there to consider it?

Mr. Peart

I should have thought that for the Government to agree in principle to a statutory scheme was right, and I think that it will be welcomed by the industry.

Mr. Wall

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is uncertainty about this issue and about building grants and many other matters in the industry? Will he tell the House how he expects any statutory minimum pricing scheme to be financed if the Government will not make any contribution?

Mr. Peart

The industry can do that. There is already a limited private scheme which is to be examined by the Restrictive Practices Court. There is no reason why, given good will, a statutory scheme of this kind should not be acceptable to the industry.

Mr. James Johnson

Is my right hon. Friend aware that this scheme—the first of its kind produced by any Government—is widely welcomed by workers, fish merchants and the industry as a whole? Can my right hon. Friend give an assurance that the White Fish Authority is getting the full co-operation of the vessel owners, whom the aforementioned workers and merchants think are doing well enough to give the scheme full financial backing?

Mr. Speaker

Order. The questions and answers are getting too long.

Mr. Peart

I would only say, "Thank you very much." That is right.

Dame Irene Ward

Is this the first step towards ratting on the white fish industry?

Mr. Peart

No, it is not. An agreement in principle for the White Fish Authority to consult the industry and go ahead with a statutory scheme is a step forward, which was never taken by my predecessors.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will my right hon. Friend state who were the interested parties referred to in the Question? Does he realise that the White Fish industry in north-east Scotland is confronted with new problems arising from drilling in the North Sea? Will he take that fact into account?

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

On a point of order—

Mr. Hughes

On a point of order. I asked an important question. Surely I should receive a reply?

Mr. Speaker

The Minister is not bound to reply.

Mr. Bruce-Gardyne

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter at the earliest possible moment.