Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he has had with the Government of the Isle of Man in connection with a proposed 12-mile fishing limit around that island; what percentage of the catch of the Northern Ireland fishing industry is caught within this 12-mile limit; what are the implications for the future of the Northern Ireland fishing industry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryThe 1987 Territorial Sea Act made provision for a 12-mile territorial sea for the Isle of Man. Fisheries and other Departments have been in discussion with the Isle of Man as to how this should be put into effect.
About 15 per cent. of Northern Ireland fishing industry's take is caught within 12 miles of the Isle of Man.
As well as ensuring the United Kingdom's responsibilities in relation to the implementation of the common fisheries policy were fully met, any arrangement made would clearly have to safeguard the interests and traditional rights of all fishermen within 12 miles of the Isle of Man.