§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what claims to historic rights have been advanced by European Economic Community countries in respect of the herring fishery off the North-East coast; and what examination has been made of the basis of such claims.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe matter of access to waters after 31 December 1982 is still under discussion in the EEC institutions.
Rights to fish for herring in the 6–12 mile belt off North East England are limited to the following until 31 December 1982:
Flamborough Head to Whitby High: Netherlands only
Whitby High to Coquet Island: Federal Republic of Germany and Netherlands only
Coquet Island to Berwick: All EEC member States
The Dutch and German rights north as far as Longstone derive essentially from the 1964 London convention as confirmed by the Treaty of Accession: other rights derive from the latter Treaty.
Naturally none of these rights may be exercised while herring fishing in the North Sea is banned.