HC Deb 04 February 1988 vol 126 cc1149-50
12. Mr. Harris

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the value of fish landed by British vessels at Newlyn from January to October 1987.

Mr. Gummer

The answer is £11,926,831.

Mr. Harris

Will my right hon. Friend join me in congratulating all those who turned Newlyn into the top port in England and Wales as far as the value of fish landings are concerned, during that period? Does he agree that the figure that he has just quoted gives the lie to the myth that is constantly spread, that the fishing industry in Cornwall is declining? It is not. It is booming and flourishing.

Mr. Gummer

We are impressed by the way in which Newlyn has reacted to the problems of the shortage of fish. Fishermen in Newlyn have not only caught what is there, but have marketed it most efficiently. I hope that some of the other ports in the country will learn from Newlyn and from the other successful and go-ahead ports which have made that free enterprise part of the economy such a success.