§ Mr. Onslowasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what action he is taking to ensure the protection of sea fisheries in the area covered by the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Committee, following that body's decision to lay off its sea fishery officers; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[pursuant to his reply, 25 April 1986, c. 248]: My Department is responsible for national policies in the area covered by the Lancashire and Western Sea Fisheries Joint Committee. Their implementation is not affected by the action that the committee is taking in response to the recent decisions of all but two of the district councils in Merseyside and Greater Manchester not to join the committee following the abolition of the Merseyside and Greater Manchester county councils. Although the committee is having to re-assess its priorities and activities, I understand that basic work on the enforcement of local byelaws for the regulation of sea fisheries will be maintained.