FISHING INDUSTRY. (Hansard, 11 May 1939)

§ Sir D. Thomson
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether the joint council provided for in the Sea Fish Industry Act has yet been set up; and, if so, what are the names of the members?

§ Mr. Ramsbotham
The White Fish Industry Joint Council has not yet been set up but letters of invitation to the persons whom it is proposed to appoint will be sent out during the coming week.

§ Sir D. Thomson
asked the Minister of Agriculture whether his Department has investigated the possibility of introducing a marking or grading order for white fish; and whether he has had, or will call for, a report from the White Fish Commission on this question?

§ Mr. Ramsbotham
Consideration has been given in the past to the possibility of making a Marking Order in respect of near-water fish, and I understand that the White Fish Commission, who have power to make regulations for the grading and marking of white fish, are now giving the matter their attention.

§ Sir D. Thomson
asked the Minister of Agriculture what was the date of the appointment of the members of the White Fish Commission; the number of meetings they have since held; and whether 698W he has received any report or recommendations from them?

§ Mr. Ramsbotham
The White Fish Commission were appointed on 11th July, 1938. Up to date they have had 10 formal meetings, and in addition the members of the Commission have held numerous informal meetings and have devoted a great deal of time to consultations with different sections of the industry and to visits to the principal fishing ports and inland markets. While my right hon. Friend has been kept in close touch with their activities and has had the benefit of their preliminary views on various matters, they have not up to the present made any formal recommendations or report.

§ Sir D. Thomson
asked the Minister of Agriculture what percentage of their yearly import quota of fish for 1939 was imported from Iceland in the first quarter of the year?

§ Sir R. Dorman-Smith
During the first quarter of the year imports from Iceland of fish of the kinds subject to quota amounted to 40 per cent. of the total quota allocated to Iceland for 1939.