§ Mr. Trotterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has sufficient information to provide a global estimate for increased fuel costs over the last two years; and, if so, why he thinks it might be misleading to publish the figures.
§ Mr. BishopI assume that the hon. Member is referring to my reply to his question on 29th January 1976 about the fishing industry.—[Vol. 904, c.294–95.]
Information on the fuel costs of the fishing industry is available to the Ministry. Costs, however, vary according to the contract prices negotiated for oil supplies, the particular types of vessels and the level of fishing activity. A global estimate would not, therefore, be relevant to any specific situation.