§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, if he is aware of the loss and damage that cuts in the supply of oil will inflict on the oil-burning vessels in Britain's fishing fleets; and what steps he is taking to minimise this loss and damage.
Mr. AmoryThe fishing fleets are to receive normal supplies of fuel oil and paraffin, and the proposed reduction of 10 per cent. in the supply of diesel fuel is less than the cut which is being applied to general industry. The overall effect on fish supplies should not prove serious, and I am confident that the fishing industry will readily make the best of things in the national interest. The Fisheries Departments are considering with the industry and the White Fish Authority and the Herring Industry Board how the cuts in supplies of diesel fuel and petrol may be applied with the minimum of hardship.