asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the effect and consequences to the British fishing industry of the denunciation by the Soviet Government of the Anglo-Soviet Fisheries Agreement of 1956.

The effect of the denunciation is that after 12th March, 1962, British vessels would lose their right under the Agreement to fish up to three miles from the shore in two areas off the North Russian coast. This would involve their exclusion from a small but useful plaice fishery.

Does the Minister realise that this is another body blow at the British fishing industry? Will he state what plans he has to substitute some benefits to the fishing industry for the losses incurred by the denunciation of this agreement?

We are in touch with the Soviet Government, and we hope that they will be willing to discuss the situation with us.