HC Deb 09 December 1976 vol 922 cc616-8
14. Mr. David James

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he will be taking to encourage the expansion of the United Kingdom's existing fishing fleet.

Mr. Bishop

The future shape of the United Kingdom's fishing fleet will depend on the outcome of common fisheries policy and other discussions.

Mr. James

Does the Minister agree that in any event the British trawler fleet will have to diversify its fishing grounds, in particular, fishing for blue whiting at far greater depths? Will he take steps to advise and assist trawlermen in building new trawlers or adapting existing ones to deal with the increased technological problems involved?

Mr. Bishop

The hon. Member will appreciate that it has been very difficult for some time to anticipate the future shape of the industry, and this matter is being urgently pursued in the EEC Commission. As far as the reapraisal of the future of the industry is concerned, the hon. Member has touched on another important point—the use of species such as blue whiting, which are much more plentiful, and the effective marketing and processing of these to ensure that they are made attractive to the consumer. My Ministry is pursuing these matters.

Mr. Powell

Does the Minister recognise that the maintenance, let alone the expansion, of the fishing industry depends on conservation, and that conservation can only be effectively secured by exclusive control?

Mr. Bishop

Conservation is a very important matter, which, fortunately, every country accepts. We are pursuing these matters in Brussels. As for exclusive control, this is a mattter which we hope will be resolved in the near future.

Mr. James Johnson

Does the Minister agree that the two most important factors in the expansion of any industry are capital investment and the working conditions of the men inside the industry? Will he tell the House and the unions involved what he is doing about the decasualisation of the deep-sea fishing industry?

Mr. Bishop

I recall the useful contribution which my hon. Friend made in the discussions upstairs yesterday on the two schemes, when we discussed further grants and loans aid to the industry. I reminded him that urgent consultations are taking place with the industry and the trade unions on these important matters. I stressed also the importance of working conditions for those in the industry. That is why we are pursuing talks with the trawler industry and its employees.

Mr. Stephen Ross

Will the Minister tell us what representations his Department is making to the Secretary of State for Defence to ensure that the 200-mile limit is adequately patrolled?

Mr. Bishop

I do not recall whether the hon. Member was present last Friday when we debated the Fishery Limits Bill. During that debate this matter was discussed in some detail, and assurances were given that we have in mind increased enforcement of measures, both at sea and in the air. I accept the importance of this matter.