§ Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in the negotiations with Norway over herring quotas in the North sea; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacGregorConsultations between the Commission and Norway on the total allowable catch for North sea herring for 1984 and the respective Community and Norwegian quotas were held on 7 and 16 May but no agreement was reached. As I explained in my written reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Dumfries (Sir H. Monro) at column 560, the Council of Ministers decided on 24 May to extend provisional quotas for the member states up to a total quantity of 155,000 tonnes to be taken in the Community's zone. The Norwegian Government have expressed regret at this decision and have asked for544W it to be reconsidered. The Commission in reply has pointed out that the Council's decision was designed not to prejudice the further discussions with Norway and has confirmed its desire to pursue these without delay. We understand that Norway has now authorised her fishermen to fish for herring in the Norwegian zone. I very much hope that consultations between the Commission and Norway can be resumed as soon as possible.