Mr. Rostron Duckworthasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (1) whether he is aware that the International Council for the Exploration of the North and neighbouring Seas recommended an eight-inch size limit for plaice in winter and 8½ inches in summer; and whether, in view of this consensus of expert scientific opinion, he will amend Order 1942, No. 2102, so as to make the size limit for all flat fish eight inches;
(2) why he has fixed the size limit as nine inches for dabs and flounders, seeing that both these species of fish spawn before they attain a size of eight inches in length?
§ Mr. MabaneWhile I am aware of the recommendations made by the Inter-632W national Council for the Exploration of the Sea in 1913 as regards the minimum size of plaice which should be taken, I may point out that the minimum size of this and many other species prescribed by the sea fishing industry (Immature Sea Fish) Order, of 1933, was nine inches. No lower limit was fixed by Order in this country prior to the war, and I understand that the imposition of this limit of nine inches Was fully endorsed by the International Council. As regards dabs and flounders, although it may be that these fish spawn before attaining a size of eight inches in length, it is nevertheless considered that they have relatively little food value at less than nine inches.