HC Deb 22 May 2002 vol 386 cc333-4W
Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will estimate the amount of coley (saithe) that was discarded back in the sea by British registered vessels during 2001. [46394]

Mr. Morley

There is no reliable basis for estimating quantities of saithe discarded by all British registered vessels during 2001. On the basis of partial information, we believe that the amounts of saithe discarded or slipped by UK vessels landing into Great Britain during 2001 may be in excess of 12,000 tonnes.