HC Deb 22 January 1981 vol 997 c417
12. Mr. John Townend

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food further to his answer of 13 November 1980, Official Report, c. 407, to the hon. Member for Caithness and Sutherland (Mr. Maclennan), if any further action is proposed in regard to gaffkaemia.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The need for further action is being considered as part of a review of fish disease policies.

Mr. Townend

My hon. Friend is aware of the anxiety that the disease is causing to the fishermen of Bridlington, but is he aware that the Ministry has informed the fish producers organisation there that it does not have the power to ban the importation of live lobsters on health grounds? Will he therefore take the opportunity presented by the Fisheries Bill to introduce an amendment to take powers to ban the importation of live fish where it cannot be proved that it is not diseased?

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

My hon. Friend is correct that we do not have those powers. We are reviewing the matter. However, we have certain other powers, and I should be delighted to explain them to him. If necessary, we are ready to use them.