§ Mr. Wolrige-Gordonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that in 1948 the United Kingdom caught 270,300 tons of herring and was in second place of all the nations engaged in the North Atlantic fisheries, whereas in 1965 the United Kingdom only caught 99,700 tons and was in ninth place; and what steps he proposes to take.
§ Mr. HoyThere are a number of reasons for this change including a fall in home demand and expansion of the herring fleets of countries to which a large proportion of our catch was formerly exported. Herring fishermen receive assistance comparable with that given white fish catchers, and most boats can be used for either purpose so that fishermen can choose which fishing suits them best. The Herring Industry Board are trying to expand the market for herrings and are encouraging the use of new methods of fishing, and I shall watch developments with interest.