§ 16. Mr. Menzies CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement about the future of the fishing industry in Scotland.
§ Sir Hector MonroThe review of the common fisheries policy makes 1992 a key year for the fishing industry and I will be fighting hard to safeguard the interests of Scottish fishermen.
§ Mr. CampbellDoes the Minister understand the extent of dismay and frustration throughout the Scottish fishing industry at the apparently seemingly endless sequence of restrictions on fishermen and their ability to make a reasonable living? In particular, does he understand the depth of hostility to the proposition that, in return for the decommissioning scheme presently on offer, the whole fleet will have to accept the enforced restrictions for the three years between 1993 and 1996?
§ Sir Hector MonroThe Secretary of State and I are keen that the Scottish fishing industry should flourish, but it must realise that conservation is the key to the future. We are short of white fish and we cannot proceed without effective conservation measures, some of which may seem extremely restrictive but they are there in the interests of the fishermen and the housewife. We wish that we did not have to impose them, but we must.
Mr. Robert HughesDoes the Minister understand that there is unanimous agreement in the fishing industry on the importance of conservation? Does he further understand that there is unanimous agreement that there should be a proper decommissioning scheme? Now that the general election is behind the Minister, will he take a more open view and have more open discussions on how we can obtain a fishing industry which is not only viable but serves the needs of consumers?
§ Sir Hector MonroI am glad that we were able to announce a decommissioning scheme earlier in the year. That is now out for consultation and we shall take into account everything that the fishing industry tells us before it is introduced next year.
§ Madam SpeakerMr. Rathbone.
§ Mr. Rathbonerose—
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. I take points of order after questions.
§ Mr. GallowayThe hon. Member for Lewes (Mr. Rathbone) has just walked in. How can you dare to call the hon. Gentleman when Scottish Members have been sitting here since 2.30?
§ Madam SpeakerOrder.
§ Mr. GallowayIt is disgraceful.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. Mr. Rathbone.
§ Mr. RathboneWhen my hon. Friend is considering the Scottish fishing industry, will he discuss with his English counterpart the English fishery industry in which among others, the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace) has taken such interest recently? How the southern English fisheries operate is a matter of concern to Scottish Members.
§ Mr. GallowayOn a point of order, Madam Speaker.
§ Madam SpeakerOrder. As is my practice, I shall take points of order after questions.
§ Sir Hector MonroI assure my hon. Friend that there is the closest contact between fisheries Ministers and every aspect of fishing is taken into account, as they will be in the coming negotiations in Europe.