§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps are taken to monitor the quality of containered and fresh Icelandic fish imported into the United Kingdom; and to what European Community standards of grading it is subject.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonFresh and chilled fish imported into the United Kingdom is required to be graded in accordance with Council regulation (EEC) No. 103/76 as amended, which lays down common standards covering size and freshness grades for the main species marketed in the Community.
Our sea fisheries inspectorate checks that fresh and chilled Icelandic fish displayed for sale by auction at ports is in accordance with the Community's grading requirements. Also, the local port health authorities separately monitor the quality of fish for public health purposes.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what percentage of fish landed and sold at Lowestoft, Hull, Grimsby, Peterhead and Aberdeen for February, March and April has come from Icelandic container vessels.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonWhile sales of Icelandic container fresh and chilled fish are recorded at Hull and Grimsby, where the bulk of such fish is marketed, the percentage figure requested cannot be derived from available information.