§ 25. Mr. Wallasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect of the Anglo-Icelandic fisheries dispute on the British fishing industry.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartDuring the dispute, individual vessels lost fishing time and gear as a result of harassment,208W but the overall effect was not significant. Under the agreement signed on 14th November the reduction of fishing opportunities may involve the loss of 30,000 tons or so of fish each year, representing 3 per cent. of the total British catch. Operational flexibility will also be reduced as a result of the restrictions on vessels.
§ 27. Mr. James Johnsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total catch off Iceland of the deep sea trawling fleet both in tonnage and money value for the years 1971–72 and 1972–73, respectively; and what has been the effect upon these figures of the Icelandic fisheries dispute.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe total catch off Iceland by British vessels for the 12 months ending 31st August 1972 was 194,041 metric tons and for the equivalent period ending 31st August 1973, 160,714 metric tons. The value of these catches is estimated to be about £22¾ million and £26 million respectively. The major reason for the decline in catch was that stocks were less abundant. The effect of interference in fishing was not significant.