HC Deb 18 May 1976 vol 911 cc496-7W
Mr. Sillars

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether, in discussions about amending the common fisheries policy, member States have considered reducing the size of the Common Market fleet and maintaining size regulation by a licensing system.

Mr. Bishop

A draft EEC regulation dealing with the restructuring of the inshore sector, published last December, is undergoing detailed examination by an official working group. The measure aims to improve, by common action, the balance between fish stocks, catching capacity and demand. It does not propose compulsory reduction of fleets or any form of licensing.