§ 47. Mr. Grimondasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in securing agreement on the regulation of herring fishing.
§ Mr. Hugh D. BrownWe have been seeking agreement within the Community 153W on urgent measures to safeguard those stocks which are of major importance to our industry. Following pressure from us at the Council of Agriculture Ministers this week, it has been decided to extend the existing ban on herring fishing in the North Sea for the month of June, subject to a very limited concession to the Netherlands to enable it to continue its small traditional fishing in this month. It has also been decided to introduce a ban during June on fishing in the West of Scotland stock which is also seriously depleted. Further measures relating to these stocks are to be considered at a Council meeting next month.