§ 2. Mr. Ifor Daviesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will now convene a meeting of the parties concerned to combat the damage caused by birds, namely oyster catchers, in the Burry estuary in order to protect the employment of local people in the cockle industry.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Mr. Gibson-Watt)My right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and I have the views of all interested parties very much in mind. We do not believe that a meeting would be appropriate at this time. Our investigations are however continuing into all aspects of the South Wales cockle industry.
§ Mr. DaviesThat is a very unsatisfactory reply. Is the Minister of State aware that the cockle industry in the Burry estuary which employs a considerable number of people is under a grave threat from the invasion of large numbers of oyster catchers? Is the hon. Gentleman aware further that the Home Office set up a committee of scientists to look into the situation and to make recommendations? I urge the hon. Gentleman to take action because the National Trust, the Nature Conservancy and the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee have failed to agree on the issue. Therefore intervention by the hon. Gentleman is essential because the industry is threatened. I urge him to take action.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattI understand the hon. Gentleman's concern about this matter, especially with regard to employment prospects in the area. I can do no more than repeat what I said in my original answer. Our investigations are continuing.