§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they expect that Government scientists will have reached a conclusion about measures to conserve escallop stocks, such as the establishment of closed seasons for individual fisheries, by the end of the year.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Ferrers)Government scientists have a continuing programme of research into escallop stocks and it is difficult to predict when it might be possible to draw firm conclusions on the need for conservation measures. A research vessel is scheduled to make a further investigation into escallop stocks in September. The situation should be clearer when the results of the cruise have been analysed.