HC Deb 19 February 1981 vol 999 cc437-8
4. Mr. Myles

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with representatives of the United Kingdom fishing industries on a common fisheries policy.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

On 4 February in London and again during the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 9 to 11 February.

Mr. Myles

Will my right hon. and hon. Friends do all that they can to promote unity within the United Kingdom fishing industry—unity with the catchers, the salesmen, the wholesalers, the processers, the retailers and, indeed, the consumers, so that we may have a strong, united industry to get a better agreement in Brussels?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

My hon. Friend is right. One of the strengths of Ministers in both the last Labour Government and this Government in the negotiations in Europe has been to have a united industry behind them. That relates to uniting not only the sections of the catching industry but the entire industry.

Mr. James Lamond

Although fishermen cannot make a living because of the poor prices that they receive at the quayside and because of the flood of cheap imported fish, how is it that the consumer cannot discern any reduction in the price of fish in the shop?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I understand that in some areas there have been reductions in the price of fish. I remind the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend has asked three of his marketing advisers to examine fish marketing. I look forward to whatever recommendations they may make. The hon. Gentleman has touched on a serious issue.

Mr. McQuarrie

While I am sure that the House will continue to support my right hon. and hon. Friends in the efforts that the Government are making to reach agreement on the common fisheries policy, may I ask at what stage the Government will give some thought to a form of unilateral action if we cannot persuade our partners in Europe to come to a decision? Does my hon. Friend agree that the French Government are opposed to a solution?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I am sure that it has not escaped my hon. Friend's notice that, unlike 18 months ago, the United Kingdom's case for a properly renegotiated fisheries policy has received support from a wide range of Governments in Europe. That is a change from the: position a number of years ago. Let us pursue that course towards a proper policy. If that is not possible we shall consider the position further.

Mr. Henderson

In view of the problem on imports, has my hon. Friend considered the possibility of introducing a blue pound to help to deal with the exchange rate and the fact that prices, although disastrous for the fishermen, are higher than in continental ports?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

We have to approach the question of prices in the Community through the existing mechanism. As my hon. Friend knows, there is a system of minimum withdrawal prices. I believe that that level of prices is unrealistic. We have made that view clear in the Community. We shall work to improve that and to improve the reference price system which governs the price at which imports come in from third countries.