§ 20. Mr. Sillarsasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will conduct a special examination of the likely effects on the Scottish fishing industry of the United Kingdom joining the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithWe have, naturally, been following closely the discussions in the Six on a common fisheries policy; these discussions have not, however, yet produced a firm policy. As my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the 657 Duchy of Lancaster made clear in his opening statement, fisheries policy may be one of the questions we shall want to discuss in our negotiations for entry.
§ Mr. SillarsIs the hon. Gentleman aware that many people in the fishing community are very concerned about the possibility of Britain's entry to the E.E.C. and the effect that it would have on the present 12-mile limit? Would he press on his right hon. Friend concerned with the negotiations the point of view of the fishing community?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am sure that the hon. Gentleman will agree that since the E.E.C. has not yet agreed on its own fisheries policy it is not possible to say what the effect of our entering the E.E.C. might be. But I give the hon. Gentleman the assurance that I am thoroughly aware of the concern of Scotland's inshore fishermen.
§ Mr. Clark HutchisonIs my hon. Friend aware that not just the fishing industry but many other people have reservations about our joining the E.E.C.?
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI am grateful to my hon. Friend. I am sure that he will not lose any opportunity in the House for putting questions on other aspects of this matter.