§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the results of his visit to Luxembourg on 29 and 30 October in company with the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when the renegotiation of the common fisheries policy was discussed; and how these discussions will affect the Scottish fishing industry.
§ Mr. YoungerI would refer to the statement made on 31 October by my hon. Friend the Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, about the outcome of these meetings.—[Vol. 972, c. 1245–6.] I am hopeful that substantive progress will now be possible at the next meeting of the Council of Ministers—Fisheries—which is proposed for 3 and 4 December. The Government are fully aware that a resolution of the common fisheries policy is vital to the well-being of the Scottish fishing industry and will vigorously pursue the negotiations with a view to obtaining a satisfactory settlement.