§ 6. Mr. HarrisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to involve United Kingdom fishermen in discussions on future developments in the industry. [4132]
§ Mr. BaldryI regard dialogue and consultation with UK fishermen as imperative. I already hold regular consultations, meetings and pre-Council of Ministers briefing meetings with many of their representatives.
§ Mr. HarrisI appreciate and applaud all that my hon. Friend has done in this respect. Still, can he convince me and the House that Her Majesty's Government appreciate the depth of anger of our fishermen, especially in the south-west, about the fact that as from 1 January 40 Spanish vessels will be allowed into western waters? Moreover, our fishermen almost certainly face significant cuts in their quotas; and to rub salt in the wound, taxpayers will have to pay large sums in compensation to Spanish interests for the removal of those wretched flag-of-convenience vessels from our register. Can my hon. Friend tell me and my fishermen what future the fishing industry has?
§ Mr. BaldryFirst, it is important that the House recognises that the Factortame judgment has absolutely nothing to do with the fisheries policy. It is a judgment, in the Advocate General's opinion, on the freedom of business association for individuals in the European Union. It has nothing to do with fisheries policy. Indeed, if we were to leave the common fisheries policy, the Factortame judgment would still stand. I of course appreciate the UK fishing industry's concerns that it must 1088 have a long-term sustainable future, and every part of every policy that I take forward is bent on that end. Certainly at the Fisheries Council meeting next week I am determined to negotiate the best possible fishing opportunities for British fishermen, consistent with the scientific advice and the need to sustain stocks for the benefit of future generations of fishermen.
§ Mr. SkinnerIs the Minister aware that the Government are always bragging about their opt-outs in the Common Market? Why do they not opt out of the common fisheries policy?
§ Mr. BaldryThis House decided by a considerable majority in the early 1970s to join the European Community. In joining it, we signed up to the common fisheries policy. When the Labour party sought to re-negotiate our terms of entry, not a word was mentioned about fishing policy.
§ Mr. JenkinI thank my hon. Friend for taking time to meet representatives of Kent and Essex fishermen earlier in the year. Can he give us any further news on the non-sector quota? It is restricting the supply of fish to such traditional fisheries, to the point that—I am afraid—today they are sawing up their boats on the beach.
§ Mr. BaldryI am trying to see whether there are ways in which we can allocate more quota to the non-sector fishing industry. I appreciate my hon. Friend's points. The industry has very real concerns and I am trying to see whether there are ways in which we can meet them.