§ Mr. PatersonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what impact she expects the increase in the Scottish North Sea fleet haddock quota will have on landed prices; [150322]
(2) what the effect on market prices is of major quota increases for a fish species. [150323]
§ Mr. BradshawThe price for an internationally traded species of fish, such as haddock, will tend to be influenced by the world price.
The processing industry imports substantial quantities of fish to meet its needs and over time can adjust its import needs for species such as haddock, if the price and quality of domestic landings are considered appropriate.
However, in the short term, prices for fish landed at UK ports may be affected by a number of factors, including the quality and size of fish, and whether exceptionally heavy or light concentrations of fish, are landed at particular times.
Prices can also be affected by marketing activities. I understand that Seafish and Seafood Scotland, with the support of Scottish fishermen, are about to begin a consumer campaign for marketing haddock.