HC Deb 30 June 1977 vol 934 cc335-6W
Sir John Gilmour

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied with the level of the fishing quota for EEC vessels in Norwegian waters.

Mr. Bishop

Although the quotas impose reductions in the overall level of Community fishing at Northern Norway, they are not unacceptably low taking account of conservation needs and the distribution of stocks in the area. What is important for the United Kingdom is to secure a share of the Community quota which reflects our traditional dependence on the Norwegian grounds, our losses at Iceland and elsewhere and the fact that Norway fishes mainly in our waters. Meanwhile, it should not be forgotten that our fishermen are still able to fish at last year's levels in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.