§ Dr. GodmanTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if it is his intention to seek a review of the state of the stock of Clyde herring before the end of May; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 25 April 1988]: The annual and international process of obtaining and analysing scientific data on fish stocks is initially undertaken by a variety of scientific working groups, which then submit reports to the advisory committee for fisheries management (ACFM) for consideration. The ACFM will then produce a further report reviewing the state of the stocks (including the Clyde herring stock) and providing advice on management policy. The ACFM will be meeting from 16 to 26 May 1988 and will report shortly thereafter. I shall take a particular interest in their advice on all stocks of importance to United Kingdom fishermen, including, of course, Clyde herring.