§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their definition of the words "has traditionally fished", in reference to waters where fishing vessels of a particular nationality are granted rights based on the meaning of the phrase.
§ Lord BelsteadI believe that the noble Lord is referring to a Written Answer given in another place on 4th April 1985(Hansard, Commons, col. 754) 652WA about the agreement reached between Spain and the European Community on the arrangements to govern Spanish fishing in Community waters after accession. The words "has traditionally fished" were used in the Written Answer in connection with the waters within which Spain will be entitled to a 30 per cent. share of the total allowable catch (TAC) for hake. These waters, namely ICES sub-areas Vb, VI, VII and VIIIa, b, are ones in which, since the 'extension of fishing limits to 200 miles, Spain has been authorised to fish for hake under the bilateral agreement between Spain and the Community.