§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the Scottish fishing organisations requesting that the west coast herring fishing should be continued until the agreed total allowable catch has been taken up; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerNo representations in these terms have been received about this fishery, which was closed to United Kingdom boats on 31 December 1981. The arrangements for fishing in 1982 will be discussed shortly with industry organisations.
§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will institute an inquiry into the landed prices for haddock in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. YoungerThe Sea Fisheries Inspectorate of the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland constantly monitors prices at all the leading fishing ports in Scotland and I therefore see no need to institute a special inquiry.
Landings of haddock in the opening weeks of this year were heavier than the market could bear, with the result that prices dropped and withdrawals increased. At Peterhead, for example, total landings of haddock in the first 14 market days of this year were approximately the same as for the whole of January 1981. Withdrawals, too, have been much greater this year than in the corresponding period last year. Most of the haddock withdrawn have been small. The heavier than usual landings of haddock were partly a result of the delay in reaching an agreement between the Community and Norway which prevented Scottish boats from catching cod in the Norwegian sector. That particular difficulty has now been overcome. Furthermore, the producer organisations are, I understand, now discussing actively how to fulfil their obligation to balance supply and demand. I am glad to note also that in the last few days landings have been reduced and prices have firmed.