§ Mr. Watkinsonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made by the Government in their consideration of the report prepared by the National Farmers' Union on fish farming.
§ Mr. Bishop:The Government welcome this report as they wish to see the development of fish farming as a viable industry making a useful contribution to 193W food production from the efficient use of resources in competition with other demands on those resources. Consultations on the wide range of topics contained in the report have been taking place among the Government Departments concerned and with the water authorites in England and Wales. Certain topics have been identified as requiring further examination.
The fisheries Departments have embarked on consultations with the National Farmers' Unions for England and Wales and for Scotland and close contact with these and other interested organisations will be maintained as part of the Government's consideration of the report. My right hon. Friend had initiated a review of fish disease policy before reviewing the NFUs report. This review has now been extended to take in consideration of the unions' proposals. As the implications of this review also cover the wild fish population, the Government propose to treat this as a separate although related subject. On this, too, we shall consult with the water authorities and the NFUs.
If the current progress is maintained, the Government hope to announce during the spring of 1979 proposals for the review of the Diseases of Fish Act 1937 and its conclusion on other important issues raised in the NFUs report.