§ 9. Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now make a statement on the effects of the 10 per cent. duty on frozen fish fillets from European Free Trade Association countries.
§ Mr. HoyIt is difficult to isolate the factors affecting fish supplies and prices. This is particularly so at this time of year when weather conditions can affect supplies. Nevertheless, I am confident 1694 that the effects are beneficial to our fishing industry.
§ Mr. McNamaraIs my hon. Friend aware that leaders in the industry said last week how successful the Government's attempts to resuscitate industry were proving, but does he realise that the real problem of the levy will apply only in the summer when there is dumping on our market? Even though people have congratulated the Government on the success of this measure, would my hon. Friend ensure that there is no premature withdrawal of the levy?
§ Mr. HoyI am grateful for what has been said by my hon. Friend and by those in the industry. That is why I said that we should exercise a little care about the effect of the duty. It will be better felt when fish are more plentiful.
§ Mr. Scott-HopkinsCan the hon. Gentleman say by how much prices have fallen and by how much he expects they will fall during the summer?
§ Mr. HoyI cannot anticipate how prices will move. At present, retail fish prices are about the same as they were this time last year.