HC Deb 19 December 1979 vol 976 c207W
Mr. Wall

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will institute seasonal mackerel fishing quotas for freezer trawlers as opposed to the present weekly quota which is proving unsatisfactory.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I announced on 18 December the licensing arrangements to apply during the mackerel fishery off the South-West in the early part of 1980. Under these arrangements, vessel quotas will continue to be allocated on a weekly basis. I also announced that it is intended to introduce a restrictive licensing scheme for Western mackerel during 1980. It will be possible to review the operation of weekly quotas in the context of this restrictive scheme.