§ Mr. Maclennanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if, when he is considering proposals for the management of West of Scotland and North Sea herring fisheries, he will give particular consideration to the protection of the creels and equipment used by static gear fishermen; and if he will ensure that his talks with the industry will cover this issue.
§ Mr. YoungerI am aware of the difficulties faced by static gear fishermen but it would not seem appropriate to seek to resolve them in the context of individual fisheries. My Department has been reviewing existing inshore legislation with particular reference to this matter and the industry will be consulted shortly on such recommendations as emerge from this review.