§ 19. Mr. Edward Evansasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that a considerable number of Scottish herring drifters have left the East Anglian herring fishing grounds early in the season; what is the reason for this; and whether he will make a statement on the results and prospects of the herring fishing in these waters to date.
Mr. AmoryYes. The season came to an early close because after fairly good fishing in October which was interrupted by bad weather at the end of the month the early November catches were very disappointing. Total landings at Lowestoft and Yarmouth up to 24th November have been 106,063 crans valued at £516,506 compared with 106,084 crans valued at £500,962 in the corresponding period last year when the fleet was larger.