§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking against the French Government to seek compensation following their over-fishing in excess of their quota of sole in the Irish sea; and if he will make a statement on how any such compensation will be allocated to Welsh fishermen who have been stopped from fishing for sole in the Irish sea until the end of the year.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe early closure of the Irish sea sole fishery was due to overfishing by the Irish and Belgian fleets rather than the French. The United Kingdom and France will consequently receive compensation from Ireland and Belgium, in accordance with the procedures set out in the compensation regulation of 99 tonnes and 3 tonnes respectively. We shall consider with the area VII industry advisory committee how best to manage the fishing next year to provide additional fishing opportunities for the sectors directly disadvantaged by the early closure.