§ Mr. McNamaraasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he has received a report yet from the scientific advisers to his Department on the effect on crab claws being taken and landed;
(2) whether he will introduce legislation to prevent crab claws being taken and landed.
§ Mr. BishopScientists in my Department have investigated the effect which the taking of crab claws has upon crab stocks. On the basis of the information at present available they do not consider that this practice constitutes a threat to 919W United Kingdom crab stocks. The situation will be kept under review and my right hon. Friend has no present proposals for legislation on this subject.