HC Deb 30 October 1984 vol 65 cc917-9W
Mr. McQuarrie

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will discuss the question of the impact the accession of Spain would have on the United Kingdom's fishing industry with representatives of the British and Scottish Fishermen's Federations; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. MacGregor

I have been asked to reply.

The Government are well aware of the importance to the United Kingdom fishing industry of minimising the potential impact of Spanish accession on the existing balance of the common fisheries policy and on the effective fishing opportunities of our fishermen.

All Fisheries Ministers have instructed officials to keep in close touch with the representatives of the fishing industry, including the Scottish Fishermen's Federation and the National Federation of Fishermens' Organisations, on this matter as the accession negotiations proceed and a number of discussions have taken place.