HC Deb 07 November 1979 vol 973 cc188-9W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the current state of EEC negotiations concerning United Kingdom fishing rights in the waters of non-EEC States.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

United Kingdom vessels are currently permitted to fish in Norwegian and Faroese waters in accordance with reciprocal Community agreements with those countries for 1979. These agreements were apporoved by the Council of Ministers in March this year. In February the Council agreed to signature of a short-term framework agreement between the Community and Canada, opening the way to fishing by United Kingdom and other member States' vessels in Canadian waters in 1979.

Consultations with Norway, the Faroes and Canada about fishing rights in 1980 are due to take place during November and December.

Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next proposes to meet representatives of the British fishing industry.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

Today I begin three days of meetings with representatives of the fishing industry in the South-West of England.