HC Deb 28 March 1996 vol 274 cc1155-6
6. Mr. Amess

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the fish quotas which apply to Essex fisherman. [21607]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Mr. Tony Baldry)

The UK fish quotas are apportioned between producer organisations, the non-sector—representing vessels over 10 m in length that do not belong to producer organisations—and the under-10 m fleet. Most Essex fishermen fish against the separate allocations of quota made to the non-sector and to the under-10 m group of vessels.

Mr. Amess

Is my hon. Friend aware that Essex fishermen are fed up with being allowed to catch only tiddlers while the rest of Europe is allowed to catch whoppers? Will he kindly bring their plight to the attention of the next Fisheries Council, so that the imbalance can be addressed and their quota of Dover sole increased?

Mr. Baldry

I am well aware of the problems facing smaller vessels, and I am considering constructively what steps might be taken to ease their difficulties. My hon. Friend initiated an Adjournment debate on the subject yesterday morning, and I said then that I was willing to go and talk to the Essex fishermen at Leigh-on-Sea and to consider more carefully what we might do to help further the non-sector fishing industry of the Thames estuary.