HL Deb 12 May 1977 vol 383 cc369-70

3.13 p.m.

Earl FERRERS

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 any action is being undertaken to help New Zealand develop a deep water fishing industry.

Lord ORAM

My Lords, in the light of the New Zealand Government's wish to take advantage of the opportunities that will arise when they adopt a 200-mile limit, a mission, comprising consultants, trawler owners and shipbuilders, visited New Zealand in March with British Overseas Trade Board support to discuss the development of a deep water fishing industry. The members of the mission are preparing a report of their findings for the New Zealand Government and for the British Overseas Trade Board. Further action will be considered in the light of the reports.

Earl FERRERS

My Lords, I am very grateful to the noble Lord for that encouraging reply. Is he aware that, in wishing to develop their deep water fishing industry, New Zealand have been looking for partners and that many other countries have offered their services? Does the noble Lord agree that, in view of the great knowledge and expertise we have in this country, nothing should be left undone which could possibly be done to ensure that we are partners in this venture, and that the partnership is not left to our competitors?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I fully agree with the noble Earl. He is right that other countries have shown an interest in this development, and have indeed sent missions. What he says about the possible mutual advantages to New Zealand and our own industry is a very important point to bear in mind.

Lord CAMPBELL of CROY

My Lords, will the Government bear in mind that not only is there expertise in this country, but also that people with great experience are available, as a result of our own deep sea fishing industry having had to contract recently?

Lord ORAM

Yes, my Lords. That is very true, and it is one possibility that our officials and people with expert knowledge would be able to engage in joint ventures in New Zealand as their industry develops.

Earl FERRERS

My Lords, while this is primarily a matter for the industry, can the noble Lord say whether or not there is any tangible help that the Government would be prepared to give, in order to enable this to come about, or will it be left entirely to the industry itself?

Lord ORAM

My Lords, I indicated that this mission was helped from official funds, and I should like to assure the noble Earl that anything that Her Majesty's Government can do to help New Zealand develop their fishing industry will be done.