§ 15. Sir Albert Costainasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many United Kingdom registered fishing vessels now fish in United Kingdom inshore waters; and how many there were in June 1978, June 1970 and June 1960, respectively.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerThe number of commercially active fishing vessels registered in the United Kingdom which are under 80ft in length are as follows:
Year Vessels 1960 7,278 1970 5,410 1978 6,765 1981 7,106
§ Sir Albert CostainIs my right hon. Friend aware that the increase indicated by those figures will be a surprise to many people? Does it not demonstrate that there is still some life in the fishing industry? Will he continue with his valiant efforts to conserve the stock of young fish, which is so necessary?
§ Mr. WalkerThe figures show both an important switch to inshore fishing and that investment has continued in that industry.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellIn view of the general decline in the British fishing fleet, when will the right hon. Gentleman stop giving aid in a hand-to-mouth fashion, as a lure to encourage the industry to accept his forthcoming sell-out on the common fisheries policy? When will he announce a plan for restructuring the industry so that it can compete on equal terms with the new vessels that have been built by the French, the Dutch and the Danes?
§ Mr. WalkerI am sorry that my original answer did not fit in with the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. It showed that since 1970 there has been an increase of about 1,600 vessels in the inshore fleet. We are aware of the decline that took place in the long-distance fleet and of the period in which that took place. The hon. Gentleman may complain about my aid, but it is double that given by the last Government and he should have complained more often then.
§ Mr. MaclennanIn view of the increased catching capacity and the fact that, if that capacity is to be fully used, we should need access to 54 per cent. of the Community's total allowable catch, what proposals is the right hon. Gentleman considering with the Sea Fish Industry Authority for long-term restructuring and aid that is necessary?
§ Mr. WalkerWe are having talks with all sections of the fishing industry about the longer-term programmes for restructuring and we are preparing the industry to take advantage of future opportunities.
§ Mr. MylesIn view of the considerable economic difficulties that are faced particularly by the pelagic sector, will my right hon. Friend introduce his aid package as soon as possible?
§ Mr. WalkerWe are currently reviewing applications for the aid package. My hon. Friend will be pleased to know that in the first six months of this year there has, both in volume and price, been a substantial improvement in income compared with a year ago.
Mr. Mark HughesWhat provision does the Minister envisage to enable this increased fleet to catch fish if he agrees with the Community's proposals, to be discussed next week, for the British fishing industry?
§ Mr. Walker'The hon. Gentleman knows that I shall agree to proposals that have the approval of the fishing industry.