HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 cc657-8W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what representations he has received from (a) Fleetwood (b) Hull and (c) Grimsby about the state of the fishing industry in each port; what consequences have been indicated if no aid is granted; and what aid has been requested for each port.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

My right hon. Friend and I have received representations from each of these ports. The main concern has been with the effect that a permanent reduction in the level of activity of the United Kingdom fishing fleet could have on their continuing viability. A number of measures have been proposed to me as necessary to improve the industry's trading position. These can broadly be divided into measures designed to increase the industry's income by for example, raising fish prices and measures to reduce costs.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, further to his answer to the hon. Member for Grimsby on 20 May, what estimate he has arrived at of the number of fishing vessels which will be permanently laid up between his meeting with the fishing industry on 13 May and the next meeting in July.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I have made no such estimate.

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