HC Deb 15 January 1998 vol 304 cc294-5W
Mr. Salmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received concerning the exemption of the fishing industry from the Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement. [20652]

Mr. Dewar

[holding answer 15 December 1997]: The Scottish Office has received a copy of a paper submitted by the Scottish Fishermen's Federation to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in response to the EC White Paper on Sectors and Activities excluded from the Working Time Directive; and has been kept fully aware, in discussions, of the fishing industry's position on this matter.

Mr. Ancram

To ask the Secretary of state for Scotland what role he will have on fisheries matters during the United Kingdom presidency of the European Union. [22045]

Mr. Dewar

Scottish Office Ministers will play a full part in EU business during the UK Presidency.

Mr. Ancram

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what involvement he has had in determining the United Kingdom's priorities in fisheries during the United kingdom presidency of the European Union in the first half of 1998. [22044]

Mr. Dewar

The Scottish Office Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries Department has been closely involved in preparations for the UK's presidency and in advising Ministers on the determination of the UK's priorities.