asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if and when it is intended to develop the vast potential for employment that is available by developing our fishing industry on European lines and so get a part of the vast market that is available for fish products in the Common Market countries.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fishing Industry.
57.
The development of our fishing industry is already proceeding along the lines indicated in the Government White Paper entitled Programme of Sea Fisheries Development, published in April, 1962, and in the Third Programme for Economic and Social Development, published in March, 1969, and the results so far achieved are very satisfactory. Since 1962, the value of our fish landings has increased by 100 per cent, and the value of exports by about 120 per cent. In 1969, the actual value of landings of fish — excluding salmon — at almost £3 million and of all fishery exports at £3.5 million were all-time records. The market outlets abroad for our fish are increasing and, while Britain continues to be our largest customer, considerable exports are made to the EEC, particularly to France, Germany and the Netherlands. In fact, the exports to the EEC are achieved in the face of various import restrictions.