HC Deb 20 October 1988 vol 138 cc996-7
2. Sir Michael Shaw

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his assessment of the effectiveness of current policing of the common fisheries policy.

The Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. John MacGregor)

As my hon. Friend knows, the United Kingdom Government have always taken the lead in advocating effective measures for enforcing the common fisheries policy. There are clear signs that other EC member states are now taking the steps necessary, as we have done, to achieve proper enforcement.

Sir Michael Shaw

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, while the industry as a whole appreciates that better steps are now being taken, in some countries those steps are being taken from a very low base? There is still anxiety, particularly in this country, about the reduction in quotas, which is causing real hardship to many of our fishermen.

Mr. MacGregor

We take steps to reduce quotas only when scientific advice suggests that it is necessary for the long-term conservation of stocks, which is clearly in the interests of our own fishermen. As for enforcement, I am sure my hon. Friend has noticed that the Netherlands, for example, has made a big increase in the manpower of its inspection service, has strengthened its control system, is improving restrictions on its fleet's capacity and effort and is taking a number of its fishermen to court. There is no doubt that considerable efforts have been made in that country.

We are very vigilant. A recent problem related to reports of quota hopping by one or two member states, but I am glad to say that action on that was agreed at yesterday's Council.