HL Deb 07 November 1995 vol 566 cc203-4WA
Lord Gainford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the European Council held on 26 October.

Lord Lucas

My right honourable friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on 26 October.

The Council agreed new measures to monitor and control fishing effort in Western Waters from 1 January 1996. The UK's objectives were to secure arrangements which will be effective in ensuring that fishing activities by all member states in Western Waters are managed satisfactorily and that fishing effort in these waters is not increased to the detriment of our industry. At the same time we were concerned to ensure that the arrangements should not impose an excessive burden on the fishing industry. The agreement unanimously approved by the Council of Ministers reflected our concerns and strikes the right balance between the objectives of control and avoidance of excessive regulation.

The Council also agreed by qualified majority, with Germany voting against, to continue the provision of Community financial assistance to member states for fisheries enforcement for a further five years when the current arrangements expire at the end of the year. The measures include special assistance for Ireland, as agreed at last December's Fisheries Council, in recognition of the exceptional demands and costs involved in undertaking enforcement in the waters of the Republic of Ireland. These waters include the majority of the Irish Box.

Ministers welcomed the Agreement on Straddling and High Migratory fish stocks achieved in New York in August. This agreement usefully lays down rules for the effective conservation and management of stocks and my right honourable friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food was gratified that the Council endorsed the importance of its early ratification when it opens for signature in December.

The Council discussed the continuing negotiations with Morocco to enable Community fishermen to return to Moroccan waters. Nearly 700 Spanish and Portuguese vessels which formerly fished off Morocco have been confined to port since May. The Council agreed unanimously that payments should be made to the fishermen concerned to offset their losses. This is an exceptional measure applying for a limited period. As it will be funded from within the existing budget, it does not involve new financial provision.

The Council also welcomed a Commission report on progress in implementing the multi-annual guidance programmes and in particular the reductions in fishing capacity that have been achieved. The Commission will now be carrying out wide consultations in preparation for the establishment of the next round of programmes to start in January 1997.