Govt delays criticised

Press, 14 April 1984, Page 13

Govt delays criticised

PA Wellington Government delays in making decisions on reducing the inshore fishing catch could only lead = to total disaster for the fishing resource, Labour’s spokesman on fisheries, Sir Basil Arthur, has said. The Government had been told , for years by , numerous experts, including 5 ; its own officials, that the inshore fishery was in grave danger of depletion unless the catch was- reduced dramatically; he said. The Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, -Mr MacIntyre, announced on Monday that the Government had declared a moratorium on new approvals under existing assistance and lend-

ing schemes for the fishery because of serious over-fish-ing and over-capitalisation problems. Sir Basil said Mr MacIntyre’s statement that Government officials were working on proposals to reduce the fishing effort in the industry was "nothing short of incredible.” “I am frankly aghast that the Minister is talking about more proposals and further consultation with industry groups. He must be aware there has already been extensive consultation. “The industry does not want further consultation. It wants action,” said Sir Basil. He called on the Minister to make decisions now “before it is too late.”