asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what sums have been paid out since the winter of 1962–63 to oyster planters to assist them with the clearing and restocking of oyster beds; and whether he will make a statement concerning future assistance to the oyster industry.

The sum of £637 10s. 0d. has been paid out for work completed and £1,050 is committed for work to be completed. The benefits of the grant scheme will continue to be available to oyster planters and it is expected that more will be able to avail themselves of its provisions in the future.

Is my hon. Friend aware that for the first time, probably since before the Romans, Colchester Native Pyefleet oysters are no longer on the market? Is he aware that even this small sum he has referred to has gone to assist those oyster planters whose beds were desecrated by the abominable weather of last winter? Will he look at this matter again to see whether the Government cannot give more assistance to help to preserve this most ancient of British industries?

I am sure my hon. Friend realises that the help which is being given to the industry at the moment is on grounds of disease. I hope the House will agree that the help which is being given is quite considerable and is bringing a lot of benefit. I understand my hon. Friend's apprehension and difficulty, and, of course, my right hon. Friend will bear it in mind.

Is my hon. Friend not aware that even this small sum has probably gone partly to the wrong people—gone in many cases to those people who allowed their beds to become infested rather than to those people who were the victims of an act of God through the cold weather?

No, the grants have gone to clear diseased beds, as the original intention was. It is not the purpose of these grants to help those who, unfortunately, had to suffer because of the hard weather last winter.