§ Ms AthertonTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the Multilateral Agreement on Investment on the United Kingdom fishing industry. [31844]
§ Mrs. RocheCurrent UK policies on fishing will be unaffected by the MAI. The European Commission has notified an exception to MAI disciplines to restrict access to Community waters to vessels flying the flag of a member state or to third countries that have signed a mutual bilateral fishing agreement. In addition the UK has notified an exception to ensure that British registered vessels have a genuine economic link with this country. These measures will enable us to continue to manage sea fisheries as a sustainable resource.