§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the likely effect of the proposed 90 mm. mesh size on the commercial viability and catch levels of the whiting fishery in the North Sea.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithThe relevant Community regulation prescribes that the increase in minimum whitefish mesh size in the North Sea to 90 mm. from 1 October 1982 should be reviewed by 31 July 1982. The effect of the proposed increase on the whiting fishery will be a relevant factor to be taken into account in the course of the review. At present the scientific indications are that an increase to 90 mm. would result in a significant increase in landings of whiting in the long term.
§ Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects the Council of Fisheries Ministers to begin its review of the proposal to increase the mesh size for white fish in the North Sea to 90 mm.; and whether he will press for a postponement of the introduction of the new size.
§ Mr. Buchanan-SmithI cannot predict when the EEC Council of Fisheries Ministers will begin its review of the proposed increase in whitefish mesh size in the North Sea. However, the review must be completed by 31 July 1982. The United Kingdom attitude to any proposal to defer the introduction of the new size will be determined at the time in the light of the relevant factors, including the most recent scientific evidence.