HL Deb 26 November 1996 vol 576 cc8-9WA
Viscount St. Davids

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the European Fisheries Council held in Brussels on 22nd November.

Lord Lucas:

My honourable friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Fisheries Council in Brussels on 22nd November together with my honourable friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Scottish Office and my noble friend the Under-Secretary of State at the Northern Ireland Office.

My honourable friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food again made it clear that the UK could not contemplate significant further reductions in its fleet without the issue of quota hoppers being resolved. He also reiterated the need for our performance under MAGP III to be correctly assessed and presented.

Following its inconclusive debate in October on the Commission's Multi-Annual Guidance proposals (MAGP IV), the Council considered a Presidency compromise aimed at meeting the concerns expressed by member states. Most felt that the compromise provided a basis for further work, but that considerable analysis and discussion would be needed before conclusions could be drawn.

The Council concluded that work on the Presidency compromise would continue with a view to reaching a decision before the end of the year if possible.

On satellite monitoring, my honourable friend the Minister of State for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food supported the constructive approach taken by the Presidency in producing a text which addressed our key concerns, in particular in exempting smaller vessels operating within 12 miles of the coast. He also put to the Council a suggestion from industry for synchronising implementation with new rules by the International Maritime Organisation relating to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System; and he emphasised the need to use the advent of satellite monitoring to reduce the existing regulatory burden. Several member states continued to have difficulties on a variety of points and the Presidency concluded that the Council would have to return to the issue at a later date.

The Council unanimously adopted fish prices for 1997.

The Commission also presented a report on the monitoring of third country vessels in Community waters which the Council noted.