§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why he has issued an order banning herring fishing.
§ Mr. Bishop:The United Kingdom quota for herring in the North Sea and Skagerrak, agreed by the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission, has now been taken in full. While the quota for 1974–75 was close to recent catch levels, unexpectedly high landings of herring from this stock were made last autumn. and licences were then temporarily suspended. Fishing for the small balance of the quota began on 1st February 1975 and the quota limit has now been reached. Accordingly. licences have been revoked.
§ Mr. Ridsdaleasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when he proposes to allow herring fishing to be resumed;
(2) what steps he is taking to see that herring fishing will be resumed at as early a date as possible. in view of the cheapness of herring as a food.
§ Mr. Bishop:The United Kingdom quota for herring in the North Sea and Skagerrak for the year July 1974 to June 1975 has now been taken. The quota year begins on 1st July 1975, and the total allowable catch for this stock, and its allocation as national quotas is to be discussed at the Annual Meeting of the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Commission in May.