§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set up an inquiry into the current disparity between the wholesale price of fish and the price being paid for fish and fish products by the consumer.
§ Mr. CurryNo. I do consider, however, that dialogue is needed between catchers and processors. A feature of the present market situation appears to be that United Kingdom catchers are landing fish which are not wanted by processors and attract low prices, while processors continue to pay higher prices for supplies from third country sources. Catchers and processors should have a mutual interest in working to develop a more rational use of resources and to encourage a revival of customer demand.
§ Mr. MorleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider setting up a Fisheries 359W Council to bring together all sections of the United Kingdom fishing industry and fisheries ministers to develop a co-ordinated approach to the management and conservation of United Kingdom fisheries.
§ Mr. CurryExisting arrangements already ensure a co-ordinated approach between Departments, and my colleagues and I have regular contacts with the industry on a range of issues. In addition, I hope shortly to launch a series of in-depth dialogues on technical measures involving all parts of the United Kingdom industry together with our scientists and administrators.