§ 20. Mr. SalmondTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a further statement on the eight-day tie-up regulations affecting the fishing industry.
Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to ensure the accurate reporting of fish catches in area VIIA in the Irish sea.
§ Mr. CurryAccurate reporting of fish catches, whether in area VIIA or elsewhere is primarily a matter for individual fishermen. The Government's role is to check the accuracy of such reports by means of spot checks and by comparing them with other data, including data from surface and aerial surveillance. When discrepancies are suspected they are investigated with a view to legal proceedings. In 1990 there were 92 prosecutions on United Kingdom vessels for offences against the control regulation (Council regulation 2241/87) which governs the recording of fishing activity and catches.