HC Deb 15 February 1967 vol 741 cc616-7
40 and 41. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what fish farms have been established under his authority; and if he will indicate their location and extent and the growth of each since each was established;

(2) if he is aware that warm water from one of Great Britain's nuclear generating stations has enabled research workers to rear and increase the size and weight of young fish to maturity in a fraction of the normal time; and if he will take steps to apply this scientific discovery to fish being reared at Her Majesty's Government fish farms and report the results to the House.

Mr. Hoy

The effect of warm water is one of the matters being studied in the experimental work on fish rearing carried out by the White Fish Authority with assistance from this Department.

The only fish farm under our control is a small hatchery for rearing salmon smolts at Axminster which was set up in 1964. The use of heated water would not be suitable for this purpose.

Mr. Hughes

I thank my hon. Friend for that elaborate reply. Do these fish farms engage in experimental work? If so, would my hon. Friend ensure that that work is extended as it is of great value to fish consumers and the fishing industry?

Mr. Hoy

We do not propose any extension at the moment. Small plaice are being reared at the Authority's laboratory in the Isle of Man and grown in an enclosed loch at Ardtoe in Scotland. The effects of warm water from power stations on young fish are being studied at Carmarthen Bay and Hunterston in Scotland. We would prefer to have more time to study the outcome of these researches.

Sir Knox Cunningham

Is it a fact that cold weather and cold water tend to spread this new salmon disease?

Mr. Hoy

That is rather wide of this Question, but what the hon. and learned Gentleman says is correct.

Mr. James Johnson

Would my hon. Friend say what work he is doing to ensure that this information is disseminated overseas, particularly in underdeveloped territories where fish as a source of protein are of enormous value in the food diet?

Mr. Hoy

At the international conferences our scientists and research workers make this information available. I am happy to say that there is a great interchange of research work, and I am convinced that it is well known to the people concerned.