§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) what legislation of the European Commission(a) has been tabled, (b) has been agreed and
456W(c) is due to come into force before 2003 in respect of the fishing permit system referred to in Articles 89 and 116 of the Treaty of Corfu, Cm 2606 of 1974; [116729]
(2) what (a) discussions have been held and (b) provisional agreements have been entered into by Ministers concerning the implementation of Articles 89 and 116 of the Treaty of Corfu in any sea area since its ratification. [116730]
§ Mr. MorleyCouncil Regulation 779/97 established arrangements for the management of fishing effort in the Baltic Sea from 1 January 1998, based on the issue of special fishing permits by members states under the provisions of Council Regulation 1627/94 which lays down rules concerning special fishing permits. Similar arrangements for the management of fishing effort in Western waters have applied since 1 January 1996, in accordance with Council Regulations 685/95 and 2027/95. Extension of such arrangements to other areas of Community waters would require a specific proposal from the Commission and its adoption by the Council on the basis of a qualified majority. None has been made.