§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans she has to introduce a system of bag limits for sports anglers fishing around the UK coast. 167306]
§ Mr. MorleyAs I explained to the right hon. Member for West Dorset (Mr. Letwin) on 1 July 2002,Official Report, column 60W, limits on the amount of crabs and lobsters that hobby fishermen can take from the sea are being considered as part of the proposed shellfish licensing scheme. The Department is also looking at the possibility of bag limits for other species and I would hope to be able to reach firm conclusions this autumn. Any proposals to introduce bag limits will be the subject of consultation with both commercial and recreational interests.
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§ Mr. CatonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (1) what plans she has to introduce a licensing system for the sale of fish and lobsters from inshore waters so as to make it illegal to purchase fish or lobsters from anyone not holding a DEFRA licence; [67304]
(2) what plans she has to prevent sports fishermen and women selling their catches to the retail and restaurant trade; [67307]
(3) what assessment she has made of the impact of sale of fish caught by sports fishermen and women to the retail and restaurant sectors on the viability of the inshore fishing industry in the UK. [67305]
§ Mr. MorleyUnder existing fisheries legislation it is only permissible to sell (for profit) fish caught from and landed by vessels which have been licensed by one of the Fisheries Departments in the UK. Sales of fish caught by unlicensed vessels can depress prices for legitimate landings and adversely affect the earnings of licensed fishermen. Steps to prevent unauthorised sales are kept under review and any proposals for additional measures will be the subject of consultation with interested parties.