§ Mr. Hicksasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he proposes to introduce the necessary legislation designed to control mackerel catches in United Kingdom territorial waters; if he will give details of these proposed conservation measures; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BishopUnited Kingdom fishing for mackerel has been subject since September 1977 to licensing controls introduced to avoid over fishing. Prior to the beginning of the summer mackerel fishery off the west of Scotland, the detailed arrangements are currently being reviewed in consultation with the industry and taking account of ICES recent recommendations for an increased TAC for western mackerel.
No fishing by other EEC countries for mackerel is authorised within six miles of United Kingdom baselines; and in some areas, including off Devon and Cornwall, such fishing is not authorised within 12 miles of United Kingdom baselines. The only non-EEC countries authorised to fish for western mackerel within the United Kingdom fishery limits are Norway and the Faroes, and they are not authorised to fish for mackerel within 12 miles of United Kingdom baselines.