International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna

HC Deb 14 February 1994 vol 237 c585W

Mr. Dalyell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action she is taking to allow the United Kingdom through the EC to join the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Jack

The European Community applied to join the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna—ICCAT—in the mid-1980's. Since ICCAT's constitution did not allow for regional organisations to become members, an amendment was necessary before the EC's application could be progressed.

The EC's application has now to be ratified by all the members of ICCAT before it can be accepted. Currently, ratification is still required from two member states; Morocco and Gabon, who have both indicated that they will be ratifying in due course.

The EC currently holds observer status with ICCAT whilst France, Spain and Portugal are members in their own right.