§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has had from shellfish fishermen about the import of Canadian lobster;
(2) what assessment he has made of whether Canadian lobsters are being dumped on the United Kingdom market.
§ Mr. CurryI and my officials have received several representations about the import of Canadian lobster, including the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations and the Shellfish Association of Great Britain.
Although imports of Canadian lobsters has increased, there is no evidence of dumping. However, my officials have asked the European Commission to look into the problem, and we shall continue to monitor developments.
§ Mr. Barry FieldTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure the United Kingdom shellfish industry is not undermined by Government subsidised competition from other countries.
§ Mr. CurryI am not aware that the United Kingdom shellfish industry is being undermined in this way, but if my hon. Friend has specific evidence I will be happy to investigate further.