§ 10. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he has received from the Federation of British Port Wholesale Fish Merchants' Association their letter of protest against the White Fish Authority's proposal to seek approval for an increase in its general levy; if he will state his plans and the answer he has sent, including details of the result of his official meeting with the objectors in England and Wales on Wednesday, 29th October as part of the process of consideration; and if he will state his consequent plans for future action.
§ Mr. HoyOn 29th October our officials met the representatives of the Federation and other objectors to the General Levy Regulations made by the Authority on 23rd September, 1969, and took careful note of the points made. All these objections will be taken into account by my right hon. Friend in considering whether to confirm the regulations, but I cannot anticipate the result of that consideration.
§ Mr. Hector HughesDoes my hon. Friend realise that that is a much more 994 helpful and satisfactory answer than his previous one? Does he realise that this is a very important and representative association whose views should be treated with the utmost respect and in a constructive way?
§ Mr. HoyI am very grateful for that supplementary question. I can assure my hon. and learned Friend that we pay particular attention to the views of not only this organisation, but every section of the fishing industry.