§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what recent representations he has had from fishermen and fishing organisations on the relationship between the viability and the quota of the Belgian fishing fleet; and what action he intends to take with the Commission.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, the South West Fish Producers' Organisation and the Cornish Fish Producers' Organisation have made allegations that the level of activity by the Belgian fleet is higher than would be justified by its quotas. The organisations concerned have not, however, provided any concrete or substantiated evidence in support of their allegations. Nor are they supported by evidence available to the Department from the fisheries protection service.