§ Mr. Greg KnightTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what representations he has received from the Marine Conservation Society concerning the fishing of basking sharks in British and European waters; if he will seek their current views on this matter; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many tonnes of basking shark liver have been taken by the Norwegians from British waters during 1987;
(3) what currently is the quota of Norway in respect of basking shark fishing in British and European waters; and if he intends to make any representations or take any action in respect thereof.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe 1988 Norwegian quota for basking shark in Community waters is 400 tonnes of basking shark liver, as in 1987. Details of catches against this quota for 1987 are not yet available.
Officials of my Department and the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland have had a number of contacts with the Marine Conservation Society about the fishery for basking sharks and its effects on stocks. The Government are aware of the views of the Marine Conservation Society and see no need for further consultation at this stage. Fisheries and Environment Ministers are, however, giving further consideration to the case for inclusion of basking sharks in schedule 5 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.