HC Deb 18 July 1996 vol 281 cc630-1W
22. Mr. Wilkinson

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimate he has made of the efficacy to date of the European common fisheries policy in conserving herring stocks in the British sector of the North sea. [36426]

Mr. Baldry

Fish stocks, including North sea herring, are not constrained by national boundaries, which is why international co-operation on their conservation is essential. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, before the creation of the common fisheries policy, the North sea herring stock was subject to a total moratorium due to overfishing. Since 1983 the stock has, under joint management by the EU and Norway, been able to sustain a viable fishery. However, in the light of new and urgent scientific advice, the European Commission, with the support of member states, has agreed a reduced total allowable catch with Norway and introduced an emergency regulation to halve the catches of North sea herring in 1996. This came into effect on 2 July. This swift action is a good example of the common fisheries policy working in a responsible way to conserve fish stocks for the long-term benefit of the industry.

23. Mr. Spearing

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals Her Majesty's Government have made recently for improvements in the common fisheries policy that are aimed at conserving fish stocks and the livelihoods of those employed in the fishing industry. [36427]

Mr. Baldry

In December last year I launched the Fisheries Conservation Group, which brought together the industry, fisheries scientists and Fisheries Department experts to look at new ways to conserve fish stocks. Their findings were issued as a consultation document last month and the European Commission have been kept in touch with developments as they prepared their own proposals on technical conservation.

In addition, the CFP review group established in January 1995 by the then Minister, my right hon. Friend the Member for Bristol, West (Mr. Waldegrave), has almost completed its work and is expected to report before the summer recess. I will give serious consideration to all constructive suggestions for improved fish stock conservation.

The Government have already made it clear that it will be putting proposals to the intergovernmental conference to tackle the problem of quota hoppers. These proposals are designed to ensure that the economic benefits of UK quotas accrue to the UK's fishing communities.