§ Mr. Staintonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards recommendation 961 adopted by the parliamentary assembly of the Council of Europe on 25 January on aquaculture in Europe and the world.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI have taken note of recommendation 961. The Government have already made it clear that they wish to see the orderly development of a fish farming industry which is economically viable.
Substantial funds have been allocated by successive Governments for the development of the fish farming industry and to combat fish disease. Within Europe the co-ordination of aquaculture research is achieved through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and the European Inland Fisheries Advisory Commission.