HC Deb 13 February 1980 vol 978 cc673-4W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) whether he is satisfied with arrangements

for United Kingdom leased assets represented additions to investment expenditure of 6 per cent. in 1976 and 7 per cent. in 1977.

The information is as follows:

made in EEC countries for stopping landings of herring caught illegally in British waters and for enforcing catch quotas generally; and what representations he has made to the Fisheries Council concerning controls;

(2) What arrangements exist for policing Danish catches of herring and for comparing market sales of herring with permitted quotas; and whether he will pass-on to his Danish counterpart the strong fears of British fishermen that herring are being caught illegally in British waters by Danish vessels.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Member States are responsible for enforcing bans on fishing for herring in waters under their sovereignty or jurisdiction. No evidence has been found of Danish or other member States' vessels fishing for herring in British fishery limits in areas where such fishing is banned.

I also refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to him on 1 November last.—[Vol. 972, c. 662.]