§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to protect Great Britain's inshore fisheries now that Great Britain has joined the Common Market; whether fisheries research will involve the other Common Market countries and to what extent; what research projects are currently being undertaken in the United Kingdom; and whether these include a survey of fish stocks in the Irish Sea, North Channel and off the west coast of Scotland.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe present research programme of the laboratories of the fisheries departments includes surveys of fish stocks in the areas referred to, as well as a close study of inshore resources. Other Common Market countries co-operate with us in assessments of stocks in international waters under the aegis of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea, which gives scientific advice to the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission. However, research into and the management of stocks within our 12-mile limit remains a domestic matter. If our research shows a threat of overfishing, non-discriminatory regulations will be made. Provision for enforcement by the Royal Navy is being increased.