§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will consider providing direct Government assistance to the United Kingdom fish canning industry in the light of the industry's present plight.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am not aware of particular difficulties facing the United Kingdom fish canning industry which would justify the provision of Government assistance.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the world food programme contracts which have been placed with United Kingdom fish canning factories for the year 1980–81.
§ Mr. Peter WalkerNo requests for the United Kingdom to supply canned fish to the world food programme have been received so far for the year 1980–81.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, in.
319Wview of the present catches of mackerel in United Kingdom waters, he will include this species in the list of fish-canned products, which, if processed in United Kingdom fish canning factories and exported to Third world countries, will enable the industry to claim against the export refunds scheme.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe possibility of an export refund for canned mackerel is at our request currently under consideration by the EEC Commission.