HC Deb 24 February 1976 vol 906 c128W
Mr. Gow

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what provisions have been taken to conserve flatfish stocks off the South Coast.

Mr. Bishop

The United Kingdom gained the agreement of the NEAFC to the introduction in 1975 of quota restrictions on the catch of soles and plaice in the English Channel. In addition, the Commission has agreed restrictions on mesh sizes and the landing of undersized fish. All these measures are now in operation. In order to help ensure their observance, the number of inspections carried out at sea, of both United Kingdom and foreign vessels, has been increased. In addition, more naval patrols of the United Kingdom fishery limits have been made.