HL Deb 09 April 1974 vol 350 c1132

2.48 p.m.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the survey into the East Coast lobster stocks has been completed, and when the Report is likely to be published.

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, the two-year survey of lobster stocks in England and Wales has been completed, and the information gained is now being studied. The noble Lord will know that Reports of this kind are not normally published, but if he so wishes, I will communicate the results to the noble Lord as soon as they are available. On the other hand, if he wishes to have a copy of the Report, I will undertake to see that he gets one.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I am much obliged to the noble Lord for that reply. I should like to have a copy of the Report. But even if the Report is not published, would it not be possible to publish some sort of summary so that those who are vitally interested in this matter, such as fishermen, know what is the result of the survey?

LORD WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords if the Report is going to be available within the next two months (as I understand it is) I should have thought, with great respect, that one could wait for that period; then the Report will be available for anyone who wants it.

LORD DERWENT

My Lords, I shall wait two months before raising the matter again. I am much obliged to the noble Lord.