§ 3.16 p.m.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.
The Question was as follows:
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to introduce legislation to prevent foreign fishing vessels from registering as British and thus qualifying to participate in catching the quotas of fish allocated to the United Kingdom.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Transport (Lord Brabazon of Tara)My Lords, the Government are considering the introduction of legislation that would require stricter nationality or residence conditions to be met by companies or individuals seeking to register fishing vessels in the United Kingdom.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that encouraging reply. Is he aware that a 902 number of Spanish fishing boats have now met the present requirements of British registration and that more may do so, thereby nullifying the main purpose of the quota system?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraYes, my Lords. That is why we hope to be able to introduce legislation as soon as possible. It is a very unsatisfactory state of affairs at the moment.
Lord Campbell of CroyMy Lords, is my noble friend further aware that many Spanish fishermen disapprove of what is happening? I have with me a letter from a fishermen's federation based in Vigo, Spain. It expresses the hope that the loopholes will soon be eliminated because they are placing in doubt the carefully negotiated agreements on the transitional period following Spain's entry into the EC.
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, my noble friend is quite correct. I suspect that I have seen the letter. The Spanish Government are also well aware of our concern.
§ Lord Harmar-NichollsMy Lords, as a generality, is my noble friend happy that on this issue we are receiving from the Common Market countries the cooperation we are entitled to believe we should have?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, we are in touch with the EC Commission on our proposals but we have to be very careful that such legislation would be compatible with our obligations under the treaty.
§ Lord UnderhillMy Lords, does the noble Lord appreciate that we recognise the importance of the answer he has given to the noble Lord, Lord Campbell of Croy? In regard to the legislation, he said that it will be brought forward as soon as possible. Can he give an indication of how soon that will be, because, in the meantime, terrible damage could be done to our fishing fleets?
§ Lord Brabazon of TaraMy Lords, I hope it will be possible to bring forward a Bill at the earliest opportunity. But legislation of this nature would introduce novel constraints that demand most careful consideration if they are to be effective in practice.