§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) if Her Majesty's Government will agree to a moratorium on all high seas drift net fishing by 30 June 1992; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on an immediate ban on the practice of drift net fishing in the South Pacific; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. SainsburyWe are concerned at the effects of large-scale pelagic drift net fishing and are playing a constructive role in discussions on this issue. The European Community has competence in high seas fisheries policy.
§ Mr. Tony BanksTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations have been made to the governments of Japan and Taiwan in respect of drift net fishing.
§ Mr. SainsburyWe have made clear to the Japanese Government our concern at the effects of large-scale pelagic drift net fishing in the South Pacific, on both fish stocks and marine mammals and sea birds. We have no dealings with the authorities in Taiwan.