§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) to what extent there would be likely to be damage to herring stocks in United Kingdom waters if further fisheries were to be reopened;
(2) if he will be prepared to agree to total allowable catches being set by the European Economic Community Council of Ministers for any herring stocks around the United Kingdom; and if he will insist on any such total allowable catches being divided into agreed member State quotas which would be effectively monitored and enforced;
203W(3) what scientific advice he has received concerning the present state of herring stocks in United Kingdom waters.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe most recent authoritative advice on the state of the herring stocks is that set out in the 1980 reports of the advisory committee on fisheries management of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea. There are some recent indications that the condition of certain stocks which have been closed to fishing for some years may have improved sufficiently to allow fishing to recommence, but this cannot be confirmed until after ACFM's 1981 meeting next month. The United Kingdom's attitude towards any proposals for204W allowing herring fishing will depend in large part on whether they are consistent with the authoritative scientific advice.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is satisfied that any new herring total allowable catches and quotas that might be agreed by the European Economic Community Council of Ministers will be strictly observed and enforced in all member States and by the Commission.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe need for effective enforcement will be an important factor we would bear in mind in considering any proposals for new herring TACs or quotas.