§ Mr. McQuarrieasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will press the other European Economic Community Fisheries Ministers to cease to negotiate a reciprocal agreement with the Faroe Islands.
§ Mr. JoplingThe framework agreement on fisheries concluded in June 1980 with the Faroe Islands, which provides the basis for annual reciprocal agreements, remains in force for 10 years. Furthermore the opportunities made available under these agreements form part of the overall balance of the common fisheries policy. It would not be possible to persuade those member states who have considerable interests in Faroese waters to abandon the annual negotiations with the Faroese. I shall, however, continue to seek reductions in the quantities of important pelagic species made available to the Faroese under the annual agreements.