Section 3. The problems faced by the marine products industry in the country call for the establishment of a ce

3. The problems faced by the marine products industry in the country call for the establishment of a central agency for regulating, organising and developing that industry on economic lines. Such agency should also be vested with adequate authority and necessary organisation directly involved in the co-ordinated development of the industry in relation to raw material, supply, processing, storage, transport and export marketing. A detailed study recently undertaken by the Institute of Foreign Trade has indicated the necessity for the setting up of such a central agency. After careful consideration, Government of India has come to the conclusion that a statutory Authority to be known as the Marine Products Export Development Authority should be set up under the control of the Union. The Authority is proposed to be constituted, among others, with representatives of Governments of States having a coast, dealers of marine products and owners of fishing vessels and processing plants. It is proposed to vest the Authority with adequate powers to undertake suitable measures for the development of the marine products industry, such as promoting exports, undertaking marketing activities with a view to increasing the export potential of marine products. registering fishing vessels, processing Plants. etc., giving financial and other assistance and carrying out allied objects. The Bill contains a declaration that it is expedient in the public interest that the Union should take under its control the marine products industry and seeks to take powers for the setting up of a statutory Authority for the marine products industry, mainly with a view to enable it to undertake the activities mentioned above. Power has also been taken for the Central Government to prohibit or control the imports and exports of marine products. NEW DELHI; L.N. MISHRA. The 29 th February , 1972