HC Deb 15 December 1983 vol 50 cc582-4W
Sir Hector Monro

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether the European Economic Community has reached agreement on guide prices for 1984 in the fish sector.

Mr. Jopling

Agreement on guide prices for 1984 was reached at the Council of Ministers' meeting on 12 and 13 December. The new prices will come into effect on 1 January 1984.

The Commission's original proposals for guide prices for 1984 were contained in document 10158/83 dated 25 October 1983. These proposals were among a number of fisheries matters debated in the House of Commons on 7 December 1983.

The proposals provided for increases in prices of between 0 per cent. and 6 per cent. for the species of particular importance to the United Kingdom fishing industry. In the course of discussion within the Community, we were able to negotiate some useful Whiting improvements on cod and plaice.

Details of the final agreement for 1984, together with 1983 guide prices will be placed in the Library.

European Community fish marketing sector
1984 Guide Prices
Species 1984 guide prices ECU/tonne 1983 guide prices ECU/tonne
Herring 336 336
Sardines:
(a) Atlantic 537 537
(b) Mediterranean 428 408
Dogfish (Scualus acanthias) 836 820
Dogfish (Scyliorhinus spp.) 806 790
Redfish 782 752
Cod 1,053 993
Saithe 606 583
Haddock 788 743
Whiting 725 690
Ling 867 850
Mackerel 277 272
Anchovies 540 509
Plaice:
1 January to 30 April 722 708
1 May to 31 December 976 912
Hake 2,316 2,185
Shrimps (Crangon crangon) 1,401 1,374
Edible crabs 615 575
Norwegian Lobster 1,751 1,652