HC Deb 05 March 1992 vol 205 c437
12. Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next intends to meet the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations to discuss fishing matters.

Mr. Curry

I am constantly meeting fishing organisations.

Mr. Mitchell

When the Minister next meets them, will he tell them why he stood on his head over a decommissioning—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

Order.

Mr. Mitchell

Why he stood on his head over a decommissioning scheme which is too little, too late? [Interruption.] Will the Minister tell them how he proposes to cut the days-at-sea restriction by introducing effective conservation measures, including a one-net rule, square mesh panels and a ban on industrial fishing? Will he tell them why, if there is to be a days-at-sea restriction, he cannot pay fishermen the same financial support that farmers get when their land goes awry?

Mr. Curry

The industry demanded a proper conservation package. That is what it has. It has a combination of decommissioning; we are extending the licensing rules; we are attacking the problem of the effort directed against fishing; and we are going to control fishing boats. In other words, we have delivered precisely what we promised—a measure which would guarantee the long-term future of the fishing industry. We remain committed to that. Happily, we will have many years to carry it out.