§ Mr. JackTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on how the Working Time Directive will affect the Scottish fishing industry; and when industry representatives will receive full details on these matters; [39233]
(2) if he will make a statement on how the Working Time Directive will affect each category of shore fishermen. [39234]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyI have been asked to reply.
The sea fishing industry is currently excluded from the provisions of the Working Time Directive. The Commission has recently published its second consultation document on the excluded sectors. We shall be examining the Commission's proposals on their merits and in the light of the current arrangements and specific needs of each sector.