LETTER

Sir

I concur completely with columnist Joanne Finney (Food Manufacture February 2005, p17) that "education is key", but the facts have to be true.

There is undoubtedly grave danger to the world's fish stocks in many areas. Our avaricious consumption of sea bass and tuna are cases in point, along with the European Union's politically inspired rape of the North Sea. But to make the blanket claim that cod and haddock are endangered is to belie the successful conservation of these fish in the waters of Iceland, the Faroes and the Barents Sea.

We don't appreciate how fortunate we are to have lost the cod war with the Icelanders. Had we been successful, then Brussels would have ensured these fishing grounds were also pillaged.

Our company has been privileged for the last 106 years to supply purveyors of the finest fish and chips throughout the north west. We only supply cod and haddock frozen at sea from these sustainable fishing grounds where, because of far-sighted, excellent husbandry, the Icelanders in particular are gradually increasing stocks and leading by example.

With a growing number of professional fish and chip outlets, coupled with the fact that -- properly produced -- fish and chips contains less than 10% fat, you can enjoy it without a guilty conscience.

Tony Rogers

Chairman

VA Whitley & Co