Seychelles (Fisheries)

HC Deb 16 June 1969 vol 785 cc11-2

14. Sir E. Errington

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware of the difficulties of the Seychelles in relation to fisheries due to the encroachment by large foreign trawlers and the absence of modern cold storage facilities; and if he will take steps to assist the islanders to protect and improve their fishing industry, in view of its importance to their standard of living.

Mr. Whitlock

Yes, Sir. As to assistance, we are exploring what additional measures are required. The Seychelles Government are already preparing schemes for the construction of a cold store for fish in Victoria and the purchase and operation of a long range fishing boat to act as an escort vessel to smaller boats and to supply fish to the cold store.

Sir E. Errington

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the Japanese have a large mother ship with many small trawlers around the Seychelles and that crews from those ships go ashore and buy the things which are badly needed by the islanders? Will he make arrangements for the islanders to have some proportion of the cash, as he will know that fish is the main source of protein for the islanders? Finally, will he help the establishment of an up-to-date cold storage?

Mr. Whitlock

As I have said, there are plans for an up-to-date cold store, and, in view of the urgent need for a regular supply of fish to the Seychelles, the Governor is reviewing this and all means of helping the fishing industry. As to foreign trawlers, the United Kingdom delegation to the F.A.O. Commission on Fisheries Bodies is aware of the problem which could be created for the Seychelles by the operation of foreign ships, but I understand that the presence of large foreign vessels have not so far affected the Seychelles fishing industry since its boats are small and not capable of a very long range.

Mr. Evelyn King

Would the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the undesirability of these islands becoming wholly dependent on tourism, which the construction of the air strip may well assist, and that it becomes the more necessary to assist indigenous industries?

Mr. Whitlock

This is very well known to the Government.