Fishing Industry

HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 cc661-3W

Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much fish has been caught by British fishermen within Iceland's 200-mile limit during each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

The available figures relate to catches within ICES statistical area Va which corresponds closely with the area within Iceland's 200-mile limit. The total amount of fish caught by United Kingdom vessels in these waters during each of the last 10 years is as follows:

	Tonnes
1970	164,700
1971	210,000
1972	184,500
1973	155,000
1974	139,000
1975	115,000
1976	70,200
1977	NIL
1978	NIL
1979	NIL

Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many tonnes of fish have been landed by British fishermen in British ports during each of the last 10 years.

stuffs considered to be in structural surplus within the European Community.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Total landings of demersal and pelagic fish in the United Kingdom during each of the last 10 years were as follows:

	Tonnes
1970	918,600
1971	921,100
1972	895,500
1973	942,400
1974	906,200
1975	801,700
1976	850,700
1977	838,700
1978	887,500
1979	771,700

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on the basis of which representations from the industry the sum of £2 million was fixed for the total of temporary aid for the fishing industry.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

In framing the temporary aid measures for the fishing industry, which total £3 million including the programmes of exploratory voyages, we took account of all representations made to us, including those from the Front Bench spokesman for Her Majesty's Opposition.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what further representations he has received from the fishing industry on die situation which remains critical despite the injection of Government cash aid; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

We have received a number of representations. We have agreed with representatives of the industry that we should meet again in July to reassess the situation in the light of developments.