§ Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware of the drop in British fisheries catches during the last five years compared with those in earlier similar periods; if he will state the cause and locations of those drops; and what are his plans to improve catches by British fishermen.
§ Mr. HoyCatches have been affected by decreasing stocks on all the main grounds. Nevertheless, they have increased since 1961 from 775,000 tons to 911,000 tons in 1965—the highest figure for nine years. We are intensifying research on fish stocks and catching techniques, and actively pursuing international agreement on more effective conservation measures. In addition, further assistance is being given for the development of the fleet.