§ 12. Mr. Michael Brownasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the European Community arrangements to ensure that fishing quotas are not exceeded by member countries.
§ Mr. MacGregorMy right hon. Friend and I have already made clear to the House, and have emphasised to our European partners, that it is vital that all aspects of the common fisheries policy, including the observance of quotas, must be effectively enforced in all Community waters. The Commission inspectorate and the Community log book system are, in our view, the best means of raising standards of enforcement in other member states, and we have an assurance from the Community Fisheries Commissioner that the first inspectors will be in place by the end of September and the log books by November.
§ Mr. BrownI thank my hon.Friend for that reply. I am glad that the Government intend to ensure effective policing. Is my hon. Friend happy with the assurance about the log books coming into operation later this year?
§ Mr. MacGregorWe have got this far and obtained assurances as a result of pressure by us within the Council of Ministers. We have taken a useful step in the right direction—but only that. We shall continue to take a close interest and pursue the issue with vigour.