Falkland Islands

HC Deb 19 December 1985 vol 89 cc562-3

15. Dr. Godman

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of the total fish catch in a 200-mile zone around the Falkland Islands was made by British distant water vessels in the last year.

Mr. Gummer

I am not aware of any catches made by British distant water vessels in the last year in the waters around the Falklands Islands.

Dr. Godman

Is it not astounding that these rich fishing grounds should be subjected to such ruthless exploitation by the fishing vessels of foreign nations? Should we not be moving towards a more effective system of harvesting, with the direct involvement of British fishing interests and those of the Falklands'?

Mr. Gummer

I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows that British fishing interests have every right to take part in fishing in this area if they so wish. Setting up a different regime there is a matter for my right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign and Commonwealth Secretary.

Mr. McQuarrie

Does my right hon. Friend agree that it is ridiculous that Britain has become the laughing-stock of the Community when £50 million worth of fish are being picked up within the 200-mile limit of the Falklands? When do the Government propose to do something about the report by Dr. Beddington of Imperial College?

Mr. Gummer

The general response to the Beddington report is based on advice given by the Minstry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to the Foreign Office, in whose hands this matter continues to be. As to the first question, I am not aware of any British fishing interest that has been prevented from fishing around the Falklands. If it wishes so to do, it can.

Mr. Randall

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that an early agreement on the best way to exploit and manage this rich fishery is important to Britain and the fishing industry, especially if one takes into account the rumoured cuts in quotas, about which we expect to hear later this afternoon?

Mr. Gummer

The hon. Gentleman need not be too concerned about that. We are pleased that the Food and Agriculture Organisation has launched its study. When we have the details we shall be able to make a sensible basis for the future fishery potential in this area.