HC Deb 11 November 1982 vol 31 cc238-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will set out the position on access by European Economic Community fishing vessels to British waters at the end of the 10-year derogation granted in 1972.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Nine member States have accepted the Commission's proposal on access to British waters set out in the draft regulation at annex II of the unnumbered explanatory memorandum of 4 November 1982 which is in the Library of the House. If the Danish Government are finally unable to accept this proposal, it is expected to be implemented by means of national measures with the approval of the Commission.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will specify the areas around the British coast in which certain foreign fishing vessels will have historic rights between six and 12 miles.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Proposed arrangements agreed by nine member States concerning the rights of vessels from other member States of the European community to fish from 1 January 1983 in coastal waters between six and 12 miles are set out in annex I of the draft regulation at annex II of the unnumbered explanatory memorandum of 4 November 1982, which is in the Library of the House.

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assistance can be expected from the European Economic Community in restructuring the British fishing industry once a common fisheries policy has been agreed.

Mr. Peter Walker

I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Grimsby (Mr. Mitchell) on 9 November.—[Vol. 31, c.138.]

Sir Patrick Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how much of the compensation for distant water fleet vessels for losses in third country waters has been allocated in quotas given to Hull trawlers.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Within the limits set by conservation considerations, individual vessel quotas in the various sectors of the United Kingdom fishing fleet are allocated on a basis which takes account of all the factors affecting the position and interests of each sector. It is not possible to quantify the effect of specific factors.