andMr. McQuillan asked the Minister for Lands when, in order to prevent restrictive activities such as a trading ring amongst fish auctioneers, as recently disclosed at Dunmore East, County Waterford and in order to ensure that both fishermen's and consumers' interests will be preserved, the Government propose to implement the proposal outlined by the Parliamentary Secretary involving the setting-up of a State sponsored auctioneering enterprise.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Auctioning of Fish.
44.
As indicated in the Government's Programme of Sea Fisheries Development, legislation in relation to major fishery harbours will include provisions governing the first sale of fish landed which, it is contemplated, will be controlled by a single authority. This legislation will come before the Dáil in due course.
While stating our appreciation of the idea behind the new legislation, may I ask the Parliamentary Secretary, in the light of his frequent statements in this House and outside it that the only way to develop our fisheries is through private enterprise, how he can reconcile those statements with the decision of the Government to set up a State-sponsored unit?
The proper way to develop our sea fishing industry is to have co-ordination between private enterprise and State development.
The Parliamentary Secretary is learning his lesson very fast.