§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what changes in legislation he envisages to extend the ban on cockle fishing by boat to land-based cockle tractors;
284W(2) what representations he has received on extending the ban on cockle fishing by boat to land-based cockle tractors; and how many were satisfied and unsatisfied with present arrangements.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 7 June 1993]: Cockle dredging by boat is subject to control under the provisions of the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984. This legislation is kept under review. A number of representations have been received suggesting that similar powers be taken to control land-based cockle tractors. However, there are no current proposals to amend this legislation.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what information he has on the operation of land-based cockle tractors during the ban on cockle fishing by boat; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 7 June 1993]: I am aware that land-based dredging takes place and of the strong local feelings to which this can give rise. Where it is judged to be a public nuisance, local authorities can promote byelaws to control or prohibit it.
§ Mr. WelshTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what powers are available to him to control the dredging of cockle beds by land-based cockle tractors during the ban on cockle fishing by boat; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he intends to delay the resumption of cockle fishing by boat in order to allow sufficient recuperation time for cockle beds which have been dredged by land-based cockle tractors; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what further steps he intends to take to enforce a total ban on cockling; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what steps he is taking to keep the total ban on cockle fishing by boat under review; and what plans he has to extend the ban to land-based cockle tractors.
§ Sir Hector Monro[holding answer 7 June 1993]: The Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984 gives powers to control fishing activities from vessels in Scottish inshore waters. However, these powers do not extend to land-based activities. If land-based dredging activities are judged to be a public nuisance, local authorities can promote byelaws to control or prohibit them.
There is no evidence that a total ban on cockle fishing from vessels in Scottish inshore waters is justified and none is in force. Local management measures are introduced as and when circumstances require them. Such measures are reviewed regularly, taking account of scientific assessments of stock levels and the views of interested parties.