Fisheries (Hansard, 20 January 2000)

§ Mr. Bercow
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food on what date the six and 12 mile derogations will expire. [105540]

§ Mr. Morley
Article 6 (1) of Council Regulation (EC) 3760/92 authorises member states to retain restrictions on access by foreign fishing vessels within six and twelve mile limits until 31 December 2002.
The Commission is due to report to the Council by 31 December 2001 on the operation of the Common Fisheries Policy. The Council, acting by Qualified Majority, will then take any necessary decisions, including on the future of the Article 6 provisions, by 31 December 2002. There is clear support for the maintenance of restrictions on access within the six and twelve mile limits. I expect those restrictions to continue after 2002.

§ Mr. Bercow
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on his policy towards the encouragement of development of INFOMAR Systems Fishcast and Fishtrade, with particular reference to a possible pilot study on the United Kingdom. [105666]

§ Mr. Morley
The INFOMAR systems were developed through an EU funded research project. The work led to the development of a software package which facilitates the dissemination of information and provides an ability to trade while at sea. The Government welcome the development of methods of improving communications and the trade in fish. The use of electronic information systems is one area which is being considered for funding under the Agenda 2000 fisheries aid programme.