§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what international action he proposes to take in respect of German vessels which are landing Greenland cod in defiance of the international ban on fishing to which the United Kingdom is a party; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John SilkinThe international scientific advisory bodies concerned have recommended that directed fishing for cod off east and west Greenland shall not be permitted in 1978 or in 1979. From time to time, the British industry has provided Her Majesty's Government with information suggesting that fishing vessels from the Federal Republic of Germany are not observing these recommendations. The Government have drawn this information to the attention of the relevant authorities in the Federal Republic of Germany. I understand that proceedings are presently in hand in the Federal Republic of Germany against a number of persons in connection with alleged landings of cod from Greenland waters.