Fisheries Policy (Hansard, 14 November 1988)

§ Mr. Matthew Taylor
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what scientific data his Department has in regard to fishing stocks in area 7; and what scientific research is currently being undertaken.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
My scientists carry out continuous assessment of fish stocks in area VII, collecting information from commercial fishermen and from the research vessel programme. My Department has full access to the scientific information available to the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea's advisory committee on fishery management (ACFM) and the Community's scientific and technical committee for fisheries. ACFM reports cover all the major fish stocks in area VII.
My scientists are undertaking research to improve the quality of the assessments on which the Council of Fisheries Ministers bases its decisions. Scientists from other member states are also carrying out research, which is fed into the information available to ACFM.

§ Mr. Matthew Taylor
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is the Government's policy on the present six to 12-mile United Kingdom fishing limits after 1992; and whether his Department has received any representations.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
There is to be a mid-term review of the common fisheries policy by 1992. The Government are wholly committed to the structure of the common fisheries policy, including restricting access to the 12-mile belt. I have received no formal representations about these access provisions.

§ Mr. Matthew Taylor
To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether his Department has investigated the possibility of extending fishing licences to boats under 10m; and if he will make a statement.

§ Mr. Donald Thompson
Extension of licensing of vessels of 10m and under in registered length would pose considerable control and enforcement problems and would involve increased expenditure. At the same time, I recognise the problems such vessels cause. Particularly in the light of the comments which we have received following our July consultation exercise on licensing arrangements generally, I shall once more be reviewing the possibilities.