The Government’s green energy plans will devastate British industries

There’s plenty of fish for adventurous eaters

SIR – A recent poll has exposed how little the public knows about seafood (report, September 14). 

Having caught and sold fish for more than 50 years it never ceased to amaze me how customers would tell me about all the lovely fish they had eaten while on holiday: octopus, squid, crab, hake and langoustines. These fish were caught in English waters and exported to Europe. However, customers would very seldom buy these same fish from me.

We are blessed with an abundance of these fish around our south and south-west coasts. The North East has more langoustines and lobsters, but almost all are exported. The humble gurnard is ignored in Britain as it is deemed ugly. The meaty smooth hound – no bones and fantastic on the barbecue – is also ignored. 

There are many delightful fish available that don’t need batter or breadcrumbs. Treat yourself and try some, thereby supporting the British fishing industry. It is also so much greener to eat food produced locally.

Paul Gilson
President, National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations
Leigh on Sea, Essex

SIR – The only fish meal worth having is cod in batter with chips. 

However, it is amazing how often I am disappointed in restaurants with this poorly prepared dish. One of the most common mistakes is not to cook the fish properly, resulting in a soggy barrier of batter between the fish and the outer crispy batter. This is usually caused by using fish straight out of the freezer which has not been properly thawed. Another common mistake is to use poor-quality cod which has a mushy consistency. 

Cod and chips when cooked properly is easily the best meal you can have and is Britain’s gift to the world.

Stan Kirby
East Malling, Kent