HC Deb 21 March 1988 vol 130 cc13-4W
Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress is being made towards the European Economic Community accepting a bass quota.

Mr. Gummer

There are no proposals for establishing an EC bass quota. The European Commission has been informed of the Government's proposals for the management of the bass fishery and if these are confirmed in the light of our consultations with the industry, we shall be asking the Commission to propose an increase in the Community minimum landing size for bass to 36 cm.

Mr. Barry Field

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how he intends to ensure that the proposed bass regulations prevent the French from fishing the adult spawning stock in mid-channel.

Mr. Gummer

I have no plans to prevent fishing for adult bass.