§ Mr. Foulkesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many meetings were held with representatives of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation between 1 July and 12 September; and what assurances the Government gave regarding the by-catch quota.
§ Mr. John MacKayMy right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State met representatives of the Scottish Fishermen's Federation on 23 August in advance of the meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers on 10 September. In addition Ministers met industry representatives in Brussels in the margins of the Council.
At these meetings it was explained that the Government, like the industry, were opposed to the change in the by-catch limit. However, it was pointed out that since this view was not shared by the other Member States, a compromise might have to be sought reducing the proposed percentage and limiting its application to one fishing season. In the event a temporary and limited change of this kind was successfully negotiated.