HC Deb 05 November 1969 vol 790 cc992-3
9. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will now make a further statement on his investigations into the effect of deep-sea oceanography on the lives, increase, decrease and health of the fish in the North Sea fishing grounds and those further North.

Mr. Hoy

I have nothing to add to the statement I made in answer to a Question from my hon. and learned Friend the Member for Aberdeen, North (Mr. Hector Hughes) on 22nd October.—[Vol. 788, c. 236.]

Mr. Hector Hughes

Does my hon. Friend not realise that that is a very unsatisfactory answer? Is he aware that the science of oceanography—a horrible word—has added need at present for two very good reasons; one, an increase in the world's fish-consuming population and, two, the need to increase our exports of fish?

Mr. Hoy

I think the first part of that supplementary question had been prepared before my hon. and learned Friend heard the answer. No method of investigation of oceanographic research has any significant effect on fish.