HL Deb 27 March 1979 vol 399 cc1462-3

2.38 p.m.

Baroness EMMET of AMBERLEY

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 what plans they have to redress the disabilities from which fish farmers suffer, as set out in the report issued last summer.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, the Government's review of their policy towards fish farming is continuing, and full account is being taken in that review of the report by the National Farmers' Unions of England and Wales and Scotland.

Baroness EMMET of AMBERLEY

My Lords, I am glad to hear that discussions are continuing. However, as I said yesterday, what we really need is action of some kind, especially regarding co-operation between the Waterways Authority and fish farming which at present are in a certain amount of disagreement. Fish farming is one of our first lines of defence in the sense of producing food, and it really is important that the Waterways Authority and fish farmers get on together.

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, this is one of the issues which are being discussed. The issues are complex. It took the National Farmers' Union some 18 months to reach its conclusion. However, good progress has been made in considering the report. The National Farmers' Union—unlike the noble Baroness—accepts that it takes time.

Baroness EMMET of AMBERLEY

My Lords, may we know what progress has been made?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, I must ask the noble Baroness to await the Government's Statement.

Lord BALERNO

My Lords, can the noble Lord give us more precise reasons as to why the Government have not proceeded with a fish farming Bill in the current Session? Is he aware that in this House it has already been demonstrated that throughout all the parties there is a desire to see such a Bill put through, that it would be received with acclamation and that in another place all parties are in general agreement about such a Bill?

Lord STRABOLGI

My Lords, I cannot prejudge the outcome of our consideration. However, we are doubtful whether a single measure would be appropriate for all the various proposals; for example, taxation matters would be more appropriate for a Finance Bill.