§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will meet the Scottish and English fishermen's organisations to discuss the Inshore Fishery (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Gill Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986.
§ Mr. John MacKayNo. There was considerable consultation on the proposal to introduce an order and before the order was made full consideration was given to the representations received. The details of the order have already been fully explained and I see no useful purpose in a meeting of the kind proposed.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what representations he has received from the English fishing industry on the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Gill Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986.
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§ Mr. John MacKayI have nothing to add to what was said in my reply of 10 March on this subject.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will consult the European Economic Community Commission about alleged discrimination against (a) English and (b) Scottish vessels in the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Carriage of Monofilament Gill Nets) (Scotland) Order 1986.
§ Mr. John MacKayBefore the order was laid we consulted the Commission of the European Communities on its terms. In reply the Commission indicated that the order was compatible with Community law and in conformity with the common fisheries policy. I see no need for further consultation with the Commission.
§ Mr. Austin Mitchellasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what instructions have been given to officers of his Department about reporting to the procurator fiscal English fishing vessels carrying monofilament nets (a) landing their catches in Scottish ports, (b) putting in for repairs and (c) sheltering from storms.
§ Mr. John MacKayOfficers have been instructed to report to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries for Scotland headquarters details of any British fishing vessel carrying such nets which claims it had been forced to enter the six-mile limits covered by the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984.
Such fishermen forced into Scottish inshore waters by circumstances beyond their control will not be reported for prosecution. These circumstances to which I refer include serious illness or injuries, bona fide engine malfunctions and stormy weather, but not the landing of catches at Scottish ports.