§ Mr. FOOTasked the Minister of Agriculture if he has recently received representations from Cornish fishermen in relation to the operations of foreign fishing vessels; and what action, if any, he proposes to take in relation to the matter?
Mr. N. BUXTONA petition complaining of injury to the Cornish fisheries from the operations of foreign fishing vessels was received by the Ministry in April last. I have no control over the operations of foreign fishing vessels fishing outside the limits of territorial waters, and it is, therefore, difficult to sec what action I can usefully take. I am, however, carefully considering by what means, if any, the inshore fishermen in Cornwall and elsewhere can be assisted.