§ Sir N. Cooper-Keyasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that interference with the seabed by dredging operations off Hastings as proposed by the Crown Estate Commissioners, will adversely affect the fishing grounds and consequently the economy of the Hastings fishing fleet; and whether he will refuse the Commissioners' application.
§ Mr. HoyThe decision whether to issue a licence for dredging is the responsibility of the Crown Estate Commissioners but my right hon. Friend has been asked to advise on the effect on the local fishing industry. After careful consideration he has informed the Commissioners that the industry will not be seriously affected if dredging is allowed on an area strictly confined to the smallest of the three covered by the application but refused on the other two areas.