§ Mr. Robert Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what arrangements Her Majesty's Government are making to deal with the North Sea haddock quota situation.
§ Mr. MillanOwing to an unexpected rise in the productivity of the North Sea haddock fishery this autumn, the United Kingdom catch has already exceeded that for the whole of last year. It is soon likely to reach the quantity of 87,450 tonnes which is the extended United Kingdom quota allowed under a recommendation of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission which we accepted, in agreement with the industry, early this year. This is made up of the basic quota910W increased by 7,950 tonnes out of the underutilised whiting quota. NEAFC rules would allow the basic quota to be increased by a further 7,950 tonnes at the expense of the 1977 haddock quota.
The Government have met industry representatives and, recognising the difficulties to fishermen and processors which would be caused by an early stoppage of the North Sea haddock fishery, are prepared to allow landings to continue for the present, at the expense of the 1977 quota. In view of the importance of keeping the excess to the minimum, the Government look to the fishing organisations to put into effect the restrictions which they have already offered, and if possible to tighten them, since they are estimated to save less than 2,000 tonnes.
Notwithstanding the measures now being adopted, there remains the risk that the total amount of cod, haddock and whiting which is legally permissible, after taking account of what may be borrowed from 1977, may be reached. In that event the Government will have in due course to impose a statutory ban on the landing of one or all of these species from the North Sea, except a small percentage landed as an unavoidable by-catch in other fisheries, since we cannot allow a breach of international obligations. Arrangements are being made to give the industry an opportunity to discuss with Ministers the timing and detailed arrangements for this. The discussions with the industry on the management of British quotas, which have not so far resulted in agreement, will have to be brought to a successful conclusion early in 1977.