Deep-Water Fish

HC Deb 22 May 1975 vol 892 cc1606-7

21. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the results of the latest research into the commercial prospects for deep-water fish from the Irish Channel and other coastal waters.

Mr. Peart

Research and development work on non-traditional species is conducted on a continuing basis with the emphasis currently being placed upon the prospects for blue whiting. The results obtained suggest that these stocks offer the better prospects for commercial exploitation.

Mr. Dalyell

When can the British housewife expect to see blue whiting on the market as a commercial fish?

Mr. Peart

I cannot say when. It is the most promising of all the species to be fished. There are large stocks, and a lot of research is being done. Blue whiting produces a good fillet. It is rather small, but of good quality.

Mr. Stephen Ross

Does not the Minister consider that some further investment should be put into fish farming, which is undertaken in many parts of the country, particularly on the West coast of Scotland, where the usual types of fish, such as sole, are being produced easily? Could not fish production be substantially expanded by this method?

Mr. Peart

I agree, but it must be a commercial proposition, and it will basically have to be undertaken by private enterprise. A tremendous amount of research is being done. In the constituency of the right hon. Member for Lowestoft (Mr. Prior) there is a fine research centre which he has encouraged. It does considerable research on fish farming.

Mr. James Johnson

Has not the White Fish Authority estimated that there are 12 million blue whiting between North-West Ireland and the Orkneys? Is it not a fact that there is no difficulty in catching them but that the filleting is difficult because the fish are so small?

Mr. Peart

I know that my hon. Friend, who represents the fishing industry and is chairman of the all-party committee, is interested in this subject. He is right in quoting the assessment of the White Fish Authority. The problem arises from the size of the fish and the difficulty of processing.

Mr. Clegg

Is not the Minister aware that if other countries unilaterally extend their limits the pressures on British home waters will increase? What progress is being made in the Community about the proposals for protecting our home waters?

Mr. Peart

I have stated my position. I made a major statement when I last visited the Community. When I put our proposals to the Community I said many Times—and I repeated it yesterday in the Standing Committee, where it was appreciated even by Opposition Members—that I shall defend the British fishing industry because it is the largest in Europe and we have the largest coastline. Any decision on limits must be taken by collective agreement.