§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when he next plans to meet Lowestoft inshore fishermen to discuss total allowable catches for 1988–89 and related matters;
(2) when he next plans to meet Lowestoft inshore fishermen to discuss total allowable catches and related matters for 1990 to 1992;
(3) when he next plans to meet Lowestoft inshore fishermen to discuss total allowable catches and related matters for the post-1992 period.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 12 May 1988]: I have no immediate plans to meet Lowestoft inshore fishermen. I am of course fully aware of their concerns and will continue to consult representative organisations as necessary as part of my Department's regular dialogue with the United Kingdom industry.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will outline his plans to ensure the short-term survival and the long-term prosperity of the inshore fleet at Lowestoft.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 12 May 1988]: I shall continue to pursue my policy of seeking to conserve fish stocks so that adequate supplies will be available for the future. The restrictive licensing scheme and the scheme of grants for vessel construction and modernisation ensure that the fleet is of a size appropriate to the available opportunities and that it is safe, modern and efficient.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he expects to be in a position to reply to the letter from the hon. Member for Waveney of 9 April about Lowestoft inshoremen.
§ Mr. Gummer[holding answer 12 May 1988]: I shall reply shortly.