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Frozen Fish

Volume 892: debated on Friday 23 May 1975

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asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many days' supply of frozen fish are at present in store in the United Kingdom and other countries of the EEC; what is their value and weight; and what proposals he and his colleagues have for the storage of the anticipated increase in frozen fish stocks.

The stocks of frozen fish in store in the United Kingdom at 31st March 1975, the latest date for which figures are available, are estimated by the White Fish Authority at 43,000 tons. No valuation is available, but on the basis of current average market values for similar types of fish it is estimated that these stocks would be worth between £15 million and £20 million. These stocks are equivalent to approximately 10 per cent. of United Kingdom annual landings of demersal fish and therefore represent about five weeks' supply. No figures are available for stocks in other EEC countries.No increase in frozen fish stocks is anticipated. Indeed, the measures taken in the Community to alleviate problems in the fish market, which my right hon. Friend announced in the House on 1st May, are aimed at relieving the pressure of frozen fish stocks on the fish market as a whole.