asked the Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries if he is aware that the import of salmon from Canada and other countries outside the EEC is the cause of grave concern to fishermen and the industry in general; and if he will take steps to ensure that this practice is discontinued.

I am not aware that imports of salmon, which in the present year up to 31st July, the latest date to which official returns are available, amounted to £4,455, are causing concern to the Irish fishing industry.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that there is evidence that smoked salmon from Canada is being sold on the market here? Would he accept that the fishing industry will suffer because many of those engaged in the business have large stocks of salmon? There is also the danger of disease spreading as a result of the importation of this fish.

The total quantity imported cost only £4,455. I should like to inform the Deputy that we are precluded from refusing applications for import licences. We must give import licences where they are requested. It is not a matter of concern because the quantity imported is relatively small.

Would the Parliamentary Secretary accept that there is an argument for refusing the licence in the case of Canada because it is well-known that salmon disease exists there? Is there not a danger to our stocks if people are allowed to import from that country?

Under the Rome Treaty and the Treaty of Accession we are precluded from applying restrictions to imports from any country other than by way of tariff or on grounds of preventing the introduction of fish disease. We can do it if there is a danger of spreading fish disease.

In view of the fact that we are importing from Canada and that there is talk of a fish disease in that country would the Parliamentary Secretary ensure that licences are refused to those anxious to import from that country?

The quantity of salmon imported from Canada was relatively small but if there is any question of the spread of a disease the matter will be dealt with. We are satisfied that everything is in order.

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