HC Deb 03 June 1980 vol 985 c660W
Mr. Strang

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the fish conservation methods which are at present in operation in British waters; and which of these have been referred to the European Court by the European Commission.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

A comprehensive regime of conservation measures is in force in British fishery limits, including restrictions on mesh sizes and landing sizes, by-catch limits and prohibitions on fishing for certain species in defined areas. The European Commission has sought rulings from the European Court on the measures relating to the protection of the North Irish Sea herring stock, the extension eastwards to 2°E of the Norway pout box during the period 1 October to 31 March and the increases in minimum mesh sizes and related measures introduced on 1 July 1979.