§ Mr. Aitkenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will introduce an order banning British beam trawlers from operating inside the United Kingdom 12-mile coastal limits, in view of the fact that the larger EEC beam trawlers are allowed to fish within six miles of the United Kingdom coast: and if he will make a statement;
(2) what evidence he has that beam trawling is harmful; and whether he has had any direct consultations on this subject with the Fisheries Organisation Society of Kent, or with any other similar organisation.
§ Mr. BuchanI am aware of the concern among inshore fishermen, both about the possible effects of beam trawling and about the decision of the previous Government to ban this method of fishing within our limits. I have therefore decided to review the decision and I propose to discuss the matter shortly with the various organisations concerned.
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