§ 2.36 p.m.
§ Lord DERWENTMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have yet formulated a policy to prevent over-fishing of herring off the East Coast of Yorkshire.]
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, although the possibility of a temporary ban on fishing in the 6 to 12-mile belt off the North-East Coast of England has been discussed with the Dutch and German Governments, investigation revealed that the coastal stocks could not be treated in isolation and that the advantage of such a ban would be negligible. Her Majesty's Government's active policy of seeking practicable and effective measures to conserve herring stocks in the North Sea will be pursued within the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission. The Commission have decided to appoint a Working Group to consider practical schemes to help restore the North Sea stocks, and we shall play a full part in the work of this Group.
§ Lord DERWENTMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that somewhat satisfactory Answer, but I think he said in his reply that the banning of trawler fishing within a 6 to 12-mile limit would not have any effect. Is he aware that that is contrary to the opinion of practically all fishermen?
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, it is contrary to the opinion of some fishermen: it is not contrary to the opinion of them all. And I gather that the majority of the scientists who have been engaged upon some research in this subject during the last year support the view which I have expressed. At any rate, it is going to be a matter for further consideration.
§ Lord DERWENTMy Lords, does the noble Lord think that there is any possibility that these negotiations will begin at a fairly early date and continue at a fairly fast speed?
§ Lord BESWICKMy Lords, I gather that there is to be a meeting in January 1421 of the countries concerned, and certainly we shall have proposals to put before them.