HC Deb 05 February 1934 vol 285 c814W
Captain ERSKINE-BOLST

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he intends to take in connection with the proposal of the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Joint Committee, with regard to the desirability of permitting the landing and sale by inshore fishermen of plaice over eight inches in length?

Mr. ELLIOT

I recognise that some inconvenience may be caused temporarily to inshore fishermen in some areas by the operation of the Order limiting the size below which certain classes of fish may not be sold or exposed for sale in this country. I am, however, advised that a lower minimum size than the nine inches prescribed for plaice would be ineffective as a limit for general application, and since I have no power under the Sea Fishing Industry Act to prescribe different minimum sizes in relation to the same description of sea fish, I am unable to accept the committee's suggestion.