HC Deb 30 March 1971 vol 814 cc335-7W
66. Mr. Sillars

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what new arrangements he has now made to keep inshore fishing interests fully appraised of development in negotiations concerned with adapting the European Economic Community fisheries policy to take account of essential British interests.

68. Mr. James Johnson

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what discussions he is proposing to have with representatives of the inshore fishing fleet regarding the progress in negotiations with the European Economic Community upon fisheries policy.

Mr. Prior

We will continue to discuss with the fishing industry the implications for the United Kingdom of the E.E.C's. Common Fisheries Policy and any developments arising out of the negotiations.

Mr. Deakins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he intends to complete his detailed examination of the national and regional implications for the United Kingdom of the European Economic Community common fisheries policy before the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster next meets the European Economic Community Council of Ministers; and if, in any event, he will undertake to complete such examination before any agreement with the European Economic Community is presented to Parliament for approval.

Mr. Prior

The examination of the implications for the United Kingdom of the European Economic Community's common fisheries policy will be completed as soon as possible. It must however take into account certain important aspects of that policy which are still in the process of formulation. It is certainly our intention to have it completed before the results of the entry negotiations are presented to Parliament.

Mr. Judd

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what request was received by his Department to send an official spokesman to the Southern Sea Fisheries District Conference on the Common Market and United Kingdom Inshore Fisheries which took place in Southampton on Friday, 19th March, 1971; what reply was sent; and whether he will make a statement.

Mr. Prior

The Southern Sea Fisheries Committee sent a number of letters inviting the Ministry to be represented at their meeting on 19th March. The invitations were declined for reasons which were fully explained in a letter, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member.