HC Deb 10 December 1980 vol 995 cc406-7W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will discuss further the common fisheries policy and the illegal fishing of herring by French fishermen with the representatives of the British fishing industry before the European Economic Community Council of Ministers meeting in Brussels on 15 and 16 December; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Buchanan-Smith

I will be meeting representatives of United Kingdom fishermen's organisations on 11 December to discuss next week's Council of EEC Fisheries Ministers. Although enforcement issues are not expected to be discussed in detail at this meeting, I am always ready to listen carefully to the views expressed by the industry. The recent reports of illegal fishing reinforce my view that the Community must give high priority to ensuring proper standards of enforcement of fisheries law by all member States.