§ Mr. Sproatasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the loss of fish to the United Kingdom market as a result of picketing in the current industrial disputes.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownIt is not possible to make an estimate of the amount of fish lost to the United Kingdom market as a result of picketing. In some ports fishing vessels have been discouraged from going to sea, although the extent of this cannot be readily quantified owing to the effect of other factors such as weather conditions. In a few cases vessels which have gone to sea have landed catches in Denmark but no details are yet available. Virtually all fish landed in Scotland has been sold and cleared from fish markets. Because of transport difficulties, small quantities of fish, mainly whitings, have had to be withdrawn from the markets; some of these have been sent for pet food or fish meal and some have been dumped. Compensation for these landings is being claimed under the European Economic Community minimum prices withdrawal scheme.