HC Deb 26 February 1969 vol 778 c1693
8. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now make a statement on the proposed reorganisation of the fishing industry.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. James Hoy)

I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave to the hon. Member for Haltemprice (Mr. Wall) on 22nd January.—[Vol. 776, c. 462–3.]

Mr. McNamara

Is my hon. Friend aware that the decision of the Boston Group not to go into the merger proposed by the I.R.C. caused considerable disappointment? Can he give a time scale as to when we can hope that he will tell us when the merger for the two other big firms will be completed, and can he indicate that the fact that the Boston Group has not entered into the merger will not deter the smaller private firms from entering into it?

Mr. Hoy

I am in the closest touch with the negotiations, but it would be premature to comment on one feature of them. The I.R.C. is continuing the discussions with the fishing industry. They are in very capable hands. But the negotiations are a very delicate matter. As soon as we have any information, we shall convey it to the House.