§ 27. Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy regarding the catching of herring in inshore waters.
§ Mr. HoyI recently received representations from local fishermen that fishing for herring should be banned within United Kingdom fishery limits in an area off the North-East coast of England, but no decision will be taken until these have been discussed with other sections of the industry.
§ Mr. Wolrige-GordonI should like to thank the Joint Parliamentary Secretary for that reply. Is he aware that this involves very serious issues and that fullest possible consultation with all parts of the industry is of extreme importance?
§ Mr. HoyI am grateful for the hon. Member's remarks. We realise that this affects fishermen in other parts of the United Kingdom. We would obviously want to consult every section before reaching a decision.