Fish Marketing (Hansard, 13 July 1983)

§ 10. Mr. Henderson
asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when he expects to receive the report of the Sea Fish Industry Authority on the marketing of fish; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. John MacKay
The Sea Fish Industry Authority's report on fish marketing was received a few days ago. It will require careful consideration.

§ Mr. Henderson
In providing that consideration, will my hon. Friend arrange for the report to be published so that informed comment can be made on it, recognising that with all the immediate anxieties about the short-term issues in the fishing industry, the big long-term issue is consumption of fish and therefore marketing?

§ Mr. MacKay
The publication of the report is for the Sea Fish Industry Authority. I understand that it intends to publish it. I completely agree with my hon. Friend about the great need for improved marketing and sales of fish.

Mr. Mark Hughes
Will the Minister ensure that the Sea Fish Industry Authority liaises closely with "Food from Britain" in promoting sea fish, which, pending the report, is excluded from the "Food from Britain" campaign?

§ Mr. MacKay
I can give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that he seeks. The "Food from Britain" organisation has powers to assist the marketing of fish products and can be expected to work closely with the Sea Fish Industry Authority.

§ Mr. O'Neill
Before we can talk about the sale of fish we must ensure that we can catch it. What will the Minister do about the chaos in the herring fishing industry in Scotland?

§ Mr. MacKay
If the hon. Gentleman does not mind my saying so, the position will be made clear by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, who will make a statement tomorrow in the House.