§ Dr. Godmanasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what changes are anticipated in the size, structure and operational activities of the European Community's fishing fleets following the admission of Spain to the European Economic Community.
§ Mr. MacGregorThe table sets out, in terms of gross registered tonnage (GRT), the size and structure of the Spanish and European Community's fishing fleets:
Total tonnage (GRT) of powered fishing vessels (1982 figures) Classification European Community (including Greenland) Spain 0– 49.9 GRT 438,471 112,399 50– 99.9 GRT 158,299 85,029 100– 149.9 GRT 115,276 72,894 150– 499.9 GRT 279,956 314,370 500– 999.9 GRT 105,621 52,693 1,000–1,999.9 GRT 86,381 88,302 Over 2,000 GRT 77,459 12,871 Total GRT 1,261,463 738,468 Total number of vessels 54,869 17,499 These figures include the fishing fleets operating in the waters of third countries — that is, other than the 183W Community, Spain and Portugal—which in the Spanish case represents the greater part of the total fleet; some two thirds of Spanish catches are taken in third country waters.
The effect, if any, of Spanish accession to the Community on the operational activities of the fishing fleets of the existing Community and of Spain will depend on the terms of accession in the fisheries sector, including the transitional arrangements, which are currently under negotiation between the Community and Spain. The Government are playing their full part in determining the Community's position with the aim of protecting the interests of United Kingdom fishermen.