HC Deb 28 March 1957 vol 567 cc136-7W
58. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware of the serious consequences to the British trawler industry that must follow the proposed increase in the cost of fuel oil; that this increase follows one of 40 per cent, on 13th January last which resulted in a large proportion of the trawler fleet operating at a loss; that a further increase will result in a large number of fishing vessels being laid up with consequent unemployment and falling off in supplies; and what steps he proposes to take, in this connection, to protect the interests of the trawl fishermen and the consuming public.

Mr. Godber

Bunker prices are necessarily determined in relation to world levels and were last altered in January this year. Since then the fleet has continued active fishing and adequate supplies of fish are available at reasonable prices. My right hon. Friend and my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland last month refused requests for an immediate increase in the White Fish Subsidy, but changes in oil costs and all other relevant factors will be taken into account in fixing the rates of subsidy to operate from 1st August next.

59. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what amount of fuel oil was used by the British trawler fleets in the months of January, February and March, respectively, this year; what was the cost to the industry of fuel oil in 1956; what increase is anticipated per month in respect of the last increase; and how the proposed new increase of £1 per ton will raise the price as compared with that of April, 1956.

Mr. Godber

About 43,000 tons of fuel oil in January, 40,000 tons in February and 44,000 tons in March. The cost to the fishing industry of fuel oil in 1956 was about £4 million. Assuming average yearly consumption per vessel is unchanged, it is estimated that the last increase in the price of bunker fuel oil, which took place in January this year, would add about £1½ million a year to fishing costs. I cannot speculate on the future level of prices. At present, the price of marine fuel oil is about £4 per ton higher than in April, 1956.