HC Deb 16 January 1975 vol 884 cc667-8
16. Mr. Hicks

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will introduce measures to alleviate the present financial difficulties of inshore fishermen; and if he will make a statement.

17. Mr. McNamara

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he will now make a statement on the application of the British fishing industry for a subsidy.

19. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has yet made a decision regarding financial aid to the trawling industry; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. E. S. Bishop)

The Government are actively considering the question of aid for the fishing industry. We hope to be able to make a statement shortly.

Mr. Hicks

In view of the financial difficulties now faced by the inshore fishermen, largely as a result of the increase in their fuel costs, and bearing in mind their contribution to our domestic food supplies and the local economies to rural areas, does not the Minister agree that some form of operating payment should be reintroduced at the earliest possible opportunity? When are the inshore fishermen of Looe and Polperro, in my constituency, likely to know?

Mr. Bishop

We are very much aware of the problems to which the hon. Gentleman refers, and especially those in his own area. At this stage account is being taken of these further cost increases. I am not able to say exactly when a decision will be announced.

Mr. James Johnson

Does my hon. Friend agree that the fishing industry has had at least three or four bonanza years? However, there seems little doubt that conditions have worsened. Does my hon. Friend accept that the BTF, for example, is correct in saying that over 300 vessels will lose, per vessel, £10,000 a year, and that the total loss will be between £12 million and £13 million? The fishing industry is a difficult industry, with a feudal structure. There is suspicion between owners and deckhands. If public money is to be poured in, will my hon. Friend ensure that there is the utmost public accountability? Whatever may be the view of the chartered accountants, the public will provide the finance that will lie behind the subsidies.

Mr. Bishop

I take note of my hon. Friend's comments and of his interest in the industry—particularly that part of it in his own constituency. The figures and factors to which my hon. Friend referred, and other factors affecting the industry in the past few months, are now being considered urgently.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Minister aware that one of the greatest problems facing inshore fishermen is the imposition of quotas on the amount that they can catch, which has a serious effect on profitability? Does he agree that the time is coming for this country, like Norway, to announce an increase in our limits, in the interests of our fishermen?

Mr. Bishop

I appreciate the comment that has been made by the hon. Gentleman. I am sure that he would not wish us to take unilateral action. These are matters for negotiation. There are implications beyond the area to which he has referred.

Mr. Beith

Will the Minister take into account the fact that fishermen, who in their anxiety are seeking some temporary help, would like to get a fair return from the market and are anxious about the low rate of quayside prices compared with prices in the shops? Will the hon. Gentleman reconsider his decision not to hold any form of inquiry into the industry?

Mr. Bishop

The hon. Gentleman will be aware that in recent years there has been a great increase in investment in the inshore fishing industry. The factors that the hon. Gentleman has drawn to the attention of my Department will be taken into account in the decision about any operating subsidy which may or may not be given.