HC Deb 18 November 1986 vol 105 cc147-8W
Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Falkland Islands Government are to take to seek to ensure that at all times at least one of their civilian fisheries protection vessels is on station; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

A director of fisheries, who will be resident, will co-ordinate the operations of a surveillance aircraft and two civilian fisheries protection vessels to provide the necessary monitoring of the zone (FICZ).

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions are taking place with the Government of Argentina concerning Argentine vessels fishing within the Falkland Islands fisheries conservation zone; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

We remain ready to discuss with Argentina and other interested Governments the best way of conserving fish stocks in the South Atlantic and continue to believe that a multilateral solution is the best way forward.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when the Falkland Islands Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 1986 is (a) to be published, (b) to be enacted and (c) to come into force.

Mr. Eggar

The Falkland Islands Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 1986 was published and enacted on 12 November 1986. The ordinanceshall come into force on such a day as the Governor shall appoint by Order published in the Gazette and the Governor may appoint different days for the coming into force of different provisions".

Copies of the text of the Ordinance are being placed in the Library of the House.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what arrangements the Falkland Islands Government are making for the trying of offences under the Falkland Islands Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 1986; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

Under the terms of the Falkland Islands Fisheries (Conservation and Management) Ordinance 1986 it is for the summary court or the magistrates court to try offences. However, the Ordinance also makes provision for the imposition of administrative penalties for minor offences.

Dr. Godman

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the Falkland Islands Government will be fully responsible for negotiations with the European Commission over fishing in the Falkland Islands conservation zone; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Eggar

Negotiations with the European Commission on Falklands matters are the responsibility of Her Majesty's Government.