Herring Catches (Hansard, 2 February 1984)

§ 1. Mr. Wallace
asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the negotiations between the European Economic Community and Norway with regard to the share out of North sea herring catches in 1984.

§ The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Michael Jopling)
The European Community and Norway will consult on a definitive allocation of North sea herring for 1984 in the spring, immediately after the receipt of scientific advice. In the meantime it is likely that an expert group will re-examine the question of the zonal attachment of this stock, using the latest scientific information.

§ Mr. Wallace
The fishing industry is glad to have the opportunity now to catch herring, but the industry's enthusiasm is tempered by the knowledge that until 31 July the Norwegian fishing fleet will be allowed to catch 15,000 tonnes as opposed to our 12,500 tonnes. Is the Minister prepared to give any further reassurance that this will not be seen as a precedent when the long-term negotiations between the EC and Norway about allocations are finally resolved?

§ Mr. Jopling
I remind the hon. Gentleman of my statement yesterday. The Council confirmed that the interim arrangement is entirely without prejudice to the definitive allocation between Norway and the European Community for 1984 and subsequent years. The Council also confirmed its declaration of 3 and 4 October on the same subject.

§ Mr. Alexander
What steps will be taken to ensure that there is no over-fishing of the stocks by any of the parties concerned?

§ Mr. Jopling
As I reported yesterday, nine of the 13 Community inspectors have been in place as from yesterday to keep an eye on the national inspection which is carried out in any case. We shall be strengthening the number of those inspectors over the next two months, and introducing log books, and I believe that the control over the catches and quotas will improve.

§ Mr. Austin Mitchell
Will the Minister consider the need to couple the increased Norwegian cod catch with the herring negotiations, the Commission having failed to get that catch from Norway in December? Secondly, will the Minister bear in mind the importance of continuing to allow the traditional Yorkshire herring fishing from August until the end of September? It is important as an extra catch, because of the fall in white fish catches, as well as a source of supplementary earnings. It is essential that that catch be kept open. Will the right hon. Gentleman make every effort to keep it so?

§ Mr. Jopling
The hon. Gentleman will recall that I said yesterday that the reason why the total allowable catch of North sea cod is lower this year is that the number of cod in the North sea has been reduced. However, there is an opportunity for renewed discussions with Norway with a 387 view to increasing the TAC. The closure of the middle part of the North sea for herring between 15 August and the end of September will be reviewed before then to see whether it is still necessary.

§ Mr. Robert Hughes
In view of the inevitable conflict between pelagic and demersal fishermen, will the Minister accept that the United Kingdom's fishing fleet's interest will be best served in the discussions with Norway by maintaining our herring quota and not bargaining that away for increased cod and haddock?

§ Mr. Jopling
I assure the hon. Gentleman that the interim arrangement which was agreed this week will stick strictly to the key agreed in December at the Council for the North sea herring stock. We shall not be diverting from that share-out between Community countries.