§ 12. Mr. John MacDougall (Central Fife)What measures she is taking to protect fish stocks in UK waters. [133793]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Mr. Ben Bradshaw)We agreed last December on reform of the common fisheries policy to improve management of fish stocks in EU waters. We also agreed emergency measures to protect cod in the North sea and west of Scotland, and are discussing long-term recovery plans with other member states. We have introduced a number of UK measures to protect stocks, including restrictive licensing for shellfish, which will come into effect from 1 January.
§ Mr. MacDougallI thank the Minister for his response. He touched on the subject earlier, and that reaffirmation regarding a level playing field in our approach to fish stocks is an important message for our fishing industry. Will he continue both to give out that message and to make representations?
§ Mr. BradshawI am happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance. My Scottish colleague and I will work hard with the industry on this issue, which is devolved, to try to get the best deal possible for the whole of the United Kingdom from the forthcoming Council, while ensuring that stocks that are under threat have a sustainable future.