HC Deb 29 February 1972 vol 832 cc242-3
17. Mr. Milne

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if, arising from recent approaches from the Northumberland Fishing Association and other bodies, he will take the steps necessary to increase the six-mile fishing limit from Berwick to Coquet Island to 12 miles and thus keep in line with the rest of the east coast.

Mr. Prior

No, Sir. The negotiations on the terms of entry to the European Communities have been concluded.

Mr. Milne

Is the Minister aware that his reply underlines the sell-out not only of the interests of the North Northumberland fishermen, but, indeed, of our Norwegian E.F.T.A. partners? If, in the agreement to which he referred in his reply, it is possible to keep the whole of the Northumberland coast on a 12-mile limit for conservation, why was it decided earlier by our negotiators to give away six miles for other fishing limits?

Mr. Prior

I do not accept what the hon. Gentleman has said. On that part of the coast the base lines are extremely favourable to the local fishermen, as I pointed out on a tracing which I sent to him.

Mr. Peart

Is the Minister aware that very many members of the inshore fishing industry believe that the Government have sold them down the river?

Mr. Prior

The only people who believe that are some of the anti-Marketeers on the benches opposite.