§ 69. Mr. Willeyasked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take in view of the decision of the Humber District Waters Development Scheme to restrict landings of fish.
§ Mr. NugentThe restrictions recently announced are designed to reduce the volume of unsold surpluses during the late spring and early summer, when landings are particularly heavy, and should not, on present expectations, adversely affect supplies and prices to the consumer. My right hon. Friend has the trawler owners' assurance that it is their intention to keep the market adequately supplied and, should any unexpected shortages develop, to take steps to remove them. My right hon. Friend has informed the trawler owners that the Government feel that the present scheme should be replaced by a statutory scheme of control under the Sea Fish Industry Act, 1951, and the possibility of such a scheme for future seasons is being discussed with them.