HC Deb 13 January 1978 vol 941 cc869-70W
Mr. Beith

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food why the proposed United Kingdom share of fish in Community waters has been reduced when the total catch in the EEC has been revised upwards.

Mr. Bishop

This is a reflection of the unacceptable Community approach to the division of resources which is founded on the basic premise that catches should be divided in the same proportions as were provided for in the North-East Atlantic Fisheries Convention (NEAFC) in the period before 200 mile limits. Where there was no provision in NEAFC, division would be according to actual catch levels in the past. The United Kingdom made it clear that this approach does not reflect adequately losses suffered in the traditional fishing grounds of third countries or the contribution of United Kingdom resources to the total resources under the sovereignty or jurisdiction of member States.

Current outer limit of United Kingdom territorial waters. My right hon. Friend has no plans at present to extend the committees' jurisdiction further.