asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he will make a statement on the effect that EEC Council regulation 3141-74 of 9th December concerning guide prices for fish in 1975 has had in the light of the fishermen's dispute; and if he will consider strengthening protection facilities to help reduce the damage caused.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Fish Prices.
17.
Guide prices do not directly affect the market for fish. However, the fixing of reference prices which are derived from the guide prices is one of the methods of protecting the Community markets from imports of fish at an undesirably low price level from non-EEC countries.
Special measures have been taken already by the EEC Commission to improve the state of the fish market in the Community and others, including the introduction of additional reference prices, are under urgent consideration. My Department are fully supporting these measures.
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in the case of Dublin Bay with which I am more familiar there are ample prawn beds and these are not being fished by the Dublin Bay fishermen because they cannot sell them now at an economic price as a result of the importation of South American shrimps?
The Deputy mentioned that to me in the course of a private conversation and I assured him I would have it examined. I did ask for a report on it.
Do I understand— the Parliamentary Secretary is very hard to hear—that he is getting a report on this matter?
The Deputy mentioned it to me and I asked for a report.
Could the Parliamentary Secretary indicate when he will get a report?
(Interruptions.)