Common Fisheries Policy (Hansard, 6 May 1982)

§ 4. Mr. Hicks
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the latest position relating to the negotiations for a revised Community common fisheries policy.

§ 15. Mr. Beith
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects further progress to be made in negotiations on the common fisheries policy.

§ The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Alick Buchanan-Smith)
The next meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers is expected to be held this month.

§ Mr. Hicks
I acknowledge the progress that has been made in obtaining a revised fisheries policy, but is my right hon. Friend aware of the increasing anxiety of fishermen in the South-West as the end of the 10-year derogation period looms closer? Is he further aware of the need for the Ministry to have contingency arrangements available to protect the fishermen's economic livelihood in the event of a final policy not being obtained by 31 December?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
We are aware of the concern to which my hon. Friend refers. There is no doubt that a satisfactory agreement, with stability, is one of the most important requirements for the prosperity of the industry. I shall keep in mind the points made by my hon. Friend.

§ Mr. Beith
If no agreement is reached by the end of this year, what steps will the Minister take to safeguard stocks and the livelihood of fishermen?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
As I have said before, I do not think that any British Government would tolerate fishing up to the beaches in any circumstances at any time. I remind the hon. Gentleman that article 103 of the Treaty of Accession provides for action to be taken to limit access. That action must be taken by 31 December this year. We are bending all our efforts towards that end, in the interests of our industry.

§ Mr. Donald Stewart
What reply will be given to the statement by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation of 30 April about the 12-mile exclusive limit, retention of the pout box, a guaranteed share of the catch, and so on? If the right hon. Gentleman cannot give the answer at this stage, that will be understood, but will he take those points seriously into account?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
As the right hon. Gentleman knows, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and I keep in close touch with the fishermen's organisations. I assure him that their representations will be fully discussed with them.

§ Mr. Buchan
Is the right hon. Gentleman aware of the desperate anxiety in all sectors of the fishing industry in Scotland and, indeed, in Grimsby, which now describes itself as "on the brink"? Will he give a guarantee that, before the sands of time run out at the end of this year, we shall have the 12-mile exclusive limit and the 50-mile dominant preference zone at least? Will he tell us more about the Government's contingency plans in the event of failure to obtain this by 31 December?

§ Mr. Buchanan-Smith
From the way in which the hon. Gentleman puts his questions, I sometimes think that he almost wishes that the sands of time would run out. We are about to start a new round of negotiations on issues crucial to our fishing industry. It is vital that we maintain our strongest possible negotiating position. That is not necessarily helped by saying what would happen in a hypothetical set of circumstances. Nevertheless, I assure the House that, between now and the end of the year, every possible effort will be made to obtain a satisfactory settlement.