§ 12. Mr. Dalyellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what he is doing to encourage the development of the marine sciences, and in particular to study the Atlantic salmon, with a view to its protection.
§ Mr. HoyMy Department's laboratories are continuing their research into those aspects of the marine sciences which are of actual or potential importance to fisheries. So far as salmon are concerned, research is continuing into the relationship between the Greenland fishery and British stocks, and into salmon disease.
§ Mr. DalyellIs my hon. Friend aware of the importance of disease in salmon in this context?
§ Mr. HoyYes, indeed, we are very much aware of it. I am sure that my hon. Friend will be grateful to know that it was Britain which took the leading part in this work. We are, of course, with certain friends, conducting research into this subject. So far, we have not found, nor nave they, the reasons for this.
§ Mr. KimballIs the Minister aware that the real damage to the Atlantic salmon is being done not in the Greenland fishery, but by the Danes driftnetting 466 in the Baring Sea? Will be bring robust pressure to bear upon the Danes and make it clear to them that their bacon quota will be cut unless they change their attitude with regard to salmon?
§ Mr. HoyI am certain that the hon. Member will be aware that it was as a result of the work and pressure of the British Government that at the last conference which dealt with this problem, a resolution was passed drawing to the attention not only of Denmark, but of every other country involved, what was happening. Indeed, I can tell the House that at the next meeting we propose to push it still further. In this case, once more Britain has a very fine record.