HC Deb 12 March 1979 vol 964 cc13-4
9. Mr. Jay

asked the Secretary of State for Trade whether he will make a statement on the proposal for an EEC coastguard service.

The Under-Secretary of State for Trade (Mr. Clinton Davis)

The European Parliament has sent forward proposals to the Commission for the establishment of a Community coastguard service further to the common policy for the conservation and management of fishing resources. The Commission has not yet put any proposals to the Council of Ministers.

Mr. Jay

Do the Government see any need for any EEC coastguard service?

Mr. Davis

As to the specific purpose for which this is designed, that is really a matter for my right hon. Friends the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food and the Secretary of State for Scotland. I am sceptical about the need for search and rescue to be mounted through an EEC coastguard service. I think that the job is very well done as a national service, and I believe that this would be an excuse for added costs and unnecessary duplication.

Mr. Watt

Can the Minister tell the House that he will be vigilant on this matter and make sure that he does not allow boats of any proposed EEC coastguard service to enter British waters? If he does, it will mean that he is finally handing over the fish stocks of Britain to our EEC partners.

Mr. Davis

This is a matter for my right hon. Friends. I do not have responsibility in that area.

Mr. Adley

Does not the Minister accept that the EEC provides a useful framework, particularly on the control of pollution? Will he keep an open mind on these matters until the Government have had a chance to study the proposals fully and perhaps to seek the views of hon. Members representing coastal constituencies?

Mr. Davis

Naturally. I will await any specific proposition that is advanced. Nevertheless, I am sceptical about whether the EEC has a role in relation to anti-pollution measures. This is a matter where the EEC certainly has a role to play through enforcing agreed international solutions.