HC Deb 17 November 1977 vol 939 cc319-20W
Mr. Adley

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how long funds allocated by EEC sources to assist British bee keepers have been available; how much is available; how much has been utilised; by whom the residue is held; what discussions on these funds have been held with relevant bodies; and when he expects further decisions to be taken.

Mr. Strang

We are holding £36,670 received from the European Commission on 23rd December 1976 in respect of aid for representative associations of beekeepers in 1976. Unfortunately, before making its allocation the Commission did not consult my Department, and obtained its information from another source. As a result, the sum allocated failed to take account of the membership of associations in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales and the terms of the allocation do not provide for payments to be made to these associations. My Department has been pressing for an additional 27,270 ua—about £11,000—to cover the latter.

estimates of the potential United Kingdom annual fish catch in tonnage, respectively based on exclusive fishing limits within 12 miles, 50 miles, 100 miles and 200 miles, of the shorelines of the United Kingdom.

Mr. Bishop

I regret that this information is not available in the form requested. Estimates of potential United Kingdom catches based on exclusive fishing rights within these zones are dependent both upon the arrangements made within the revised common fisheries policy for sharing stocks that lie outside any exclusive zone and upon such conservation controls as may be deemed necessary by the Community or by ourselves.

In 1975 total catches in the United Kingdom coastal belts were estimated as follows:

Associations may distribute the aid to their members, or may decide to use it to further the general interests of their members in respect of honey production, technology and marketing, or education. My officials have been in consultation since January 1977 with the associations concerned and kept them in touch with developments; officials are meeting representatives of English and Welsh bee keepers today to consider how their share of the money might be used. Further decisions will be taken when there has been a final settlement of the amount of aid available and the manner of its distribution.

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