HC Deb 19 January 1978 vol 942 cc643-5
4. Mr. Clegg

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the effects of the ban on Icelandic fish landings on the United Kingdom fish processing industry.

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

I have been informed by the fish users that the ban on Icelandic landings is having a serious effect on the fish processing industry. This matter must be one of great concern. However, the resolution of the problem is for the various interests concerned.

Mr. Clegg

I thank the Minister for that reply. Is he also aware, however, that the ban is having a serious effect on supplies of wet fish in this country? Does he really think that it is having any effect on the negotiations with Iceland, and is it a good thing or a bad thing?

Mr. Bishop

I should have thought that the hon. Gentleman, with his knowledge of the fishing industry, would take the view that the prospect of an early resumption of fishing off Iceland was pretty poor. Representations have been made to me by the processors about the effect of the ban. I think that the feelings of the men concerned in the unofficial ban are perfectly understandable, but I hope that they will take into account the added difficulties for employment and other aspects which it is creating.

Mr. Henderson

Is the Minister aware that the shortage of fish, not only of fish from Iceland but of herring and other species, is causing grave concern to the processors, particularly in Scotland? Is he in a position yet to react to the suggestion I made to him in Committee that there ought to be a temporary scheme to keep the processors in business until we know what the outcome for the common fisheries policy will be?

Mr. Bishop

The hon. Gentleman has made an important point. It is vital that as far as possible we keep the structure of the industry in being until we know its future. The hon. Gentleman may be interested to know that import duties are being reviewed. This, of course, is a matter for the EEC. The review may be a way to help the industry in its present difficulties.

Sir J. Langford-Holt

Is this ban on the landing of Icelandic fish the result of our objection to the unilateral declaration of exclusive fishing limits by Iceland? Is not this precisely what the Government's policy is relation to the rest of Europe?

Mr. Bishop

The ban, which is unofficial, is, I think, due mainly to the understandable reaction to the fact that we are not allowed to fish near Iceland. In the long run, of course, it is not necessarily in the interests of the industry or of the producers, or of the processors in particular.