Lord Morrisasked Her Majesty's Government:
What action they propose to take, and when, in the light of the Argentine Government's decision to issue fishing licences for Argentine waters, in 59WA contravention of the agreed procedures for consultation with the United Kingdom and whether the increase in fishing will be of such a scale as seriously to threaten the economy of the Falkland Islands and the good management and conservation of fish stocks in the South-West Atlantic.
§ Baroness Chalker of WallaseyWe reached agreement with the Argentine Government on 23rd December on interim arrangements covering illex fishing in the South West Atlantic in the coming season. The agreement provides for a considerably lower level of fishing effort in Argentine waters than would otherwise have been the case. This reduction is very welcome.
We shall take advantage of the agreement to continue discussions with Argentina with a view to agreeing arrangements for the longer term which meet the economic interests of the Falkland Islands and respect the conservation requirements of the illex squid stock.