§ Mr. GallieTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if a weekend ban on fishing for nephrops will be introduced on the West Coast of Scotland following the consultation exercise on nephrops conservation.
§ Sir Hector MonroWhile the catching side of the fishing industry is generally in favour of a weekend ban, a number of concerns have been expressed by processors over the implications for their activities. We have therefore decided that the matter should be considered in some more detail and 1 have today written to Lord MacKay, chairman of the Sea Fish Industry Authority, inviting him to convene a second nephrops forum where the views of all parties can be considered in detail and possible ways forward explored.