HC Deb 08 July 1982 vol 27 cc449-50
17. Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what consultations he has had with representatives of the fishing industry since the last Council of Ministers meeting.

Mr. Peter Walker

The main organisations representing the catching industry have been consulted about the Commission's latest proposals for total allowable catches and quotas put forward after the Fisheries Council on 29 June, and I expect to meet the leaders of the industry again before the next meeting of the Council in the week beginning 19 July.

Mr. Strang

Is the Minister aware that Scottish fishermen attach particular importance to the future of the north North Sea herring fishery? While it is true that stocks there have not recovered sufficiently for fishing to resume, it is vital that some agreement be reached on the future percentage share-out of fish in those waters before a settlement is reached.

Mr. Walker

I am well aware of the importance of that matter to the Scottish fishing industry. We are at present awaiting the conclusions of third country agreements that affect the availability of the herring stock. I agree that it is important to obtain a good percentage of those stocks for our fishermen.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

If the Soviet Union and Polish shipping fleets can apparently make such a reasonable profit out of fishing around the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, what discussions has my right hon. Friend had with the British fishing industry about potential fishing in the South Alantic, particularly in respect of kryll, hake and other fish that are in abundance there and which, apparently, offer tremendous potential for the British fishing fleet?

Mr. Walker

On a number of occasions—indeed, prior to the current Falklands crisis—I have discussed the possibilities of South Atlantic fishing with our industry. Alas, I must report that it has not shown any great enthusiasm because it considers that the quality of some of the fish involved, combined with the cost, does not make it a potentially commercial operation. I am willing to discuss this matter further with the fishing industry.

Mr. McNamara

As the right hon. Gentleman was somewhat agitated when he made his statement on the fishing agreement to the House last week, may I put something to him calmly and objectively? What will he do to compernsate the deep-water ports such as Hull, Fleetwood and Grimsby? What will he do to get alternative employment for fishermen who have lost their jobs? What will he do to make sure that communities that have lost a great deal, not only as a result of the 200 miles but because of the CAP, are able to have a decent living standard? Is he aware that many of our constituents are now without a decent standard of living?

Mr. Walker

We have been negotiating quota arrangements that will be of interest to the long distance fleet. We shall also be negotiating restructuring arrangements that will be of considerable importance. I am optimistic that in that sphere there will be considerable improvement on the proposals that were previously made.