§ 44. Mr. Beithasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the prawn fishery off the north-east coast of England.
§ Mr. GummerDepartmental scientists regularly monitor this fishery. Their last report submitted to me in September 1985, and which was also communicated to the industry, suggested that yields could be increased if the minimum mesh size were to be increased or if fishing effort were reduced. An increase in the minimum landing size, which I know is favoured by some fishermen, would have no effect on the conservation of the stock and, indeed, would result in increased discarding which is already high. Subsequent monitoring by our scientists has so far confirmed their 1985 report but studies are continuing.