§ Mr. Robert HicksTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the review of the Channel cod quota is to be undertaken and completed; what action he intends taking to ensure the continued viability of the south-west fishery during the interim period; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonWe will raise the Channel cod total allowable catch (TAC) at the next meeting of the advisory committee for fisheries management (ACFM) this month. The present TAC is the same as the revised one for 1988 and it is 70 per cent. greater than 1983. Overall, and taking account of the valuable swap of Dutch quotas we secured last December, 1989 fishing opportunities in south west are greater in cod equivalent terms than in 1988. As well as pressing for an early review of Channel cod, we will continue to explore the possibility for further swaps which will improve our fishing opportunities.