§ 25. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Industrial Reorganisation Corporation following his announcement about the future organisation of the deep sea fishing fleet: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HoyThe Industrial Reorganisation Corporation is keeping us closely in touch with the discussions to which my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Economic Affairs referred in his reply of 14th October to my hon. Friend.—[Vol. 770, c. 45.]
§ Mr. JohnsonBearing in mind the successful mergers in computers, cars and other industries, will my hon. Friend confirm that the Government mean business with this more individualistic industry, particularly since larger financing means more modern vessels, with consequent better safety conditions for the fishermen on them?
§ Mr. HoyMy hon. Friend and the House would not expect me to comment on the matter until we have had a report of what has taken place.
§ Mr. McNamaraWill my hon. Friend give the House an assurance that the I.R.C., despite looking at the organisation of the deep sea fleet, is carefully examining the whole question of the marketing of the commodity once it has been caught?
§ Mr. HoyI do not know all the details of what is taking place. These aspects are bound to be considered. The I.R.C. is discussing the fishing industry. I would not care to go on specifying every section of it, because as soon as one does that someone suggests something that has been left out. The I.R.C. and the industry are considering the fishing industry.
§ Mr. HoyAs soon as conclusions are reached. It would be for the industry, with the I.R.C, to reach conclusions and then report them to us.