HC Deb 20 October 1988 vol 138 cc1000-1W
16. Mr. Wray

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he last attended a meeting of the European Community's Council of Fisheries Ministers; and which subjects were discussed.

Mr. Donald Thompson

Together with my noble Friend, the Minister of State, Scottish Office, I represented the United Kingdom at the meeting of the Council of Fisheries Ministers on 19 and 20 October 1988 in Luxembourg. The Council dealt with many issues. In particular, we welcome the agreement reached on improvements to the control regulation to facilitate better enforcement. The Commission is committed to produce proposals to increase the precautionary TAC for Channel cod. For reasons of conservation the Council agreed to the extension of the mackerel box off our south-west coast and to a reduction in cod quotas off Svalbord and north Norway. We also raised again the importance of having flexibility for fishing for Western mackerel across the 4° W line.

21. Mr. Harry Barnes

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food when he next expects to attend a meeting of the European Community's Council of Fisheries Ministers; what matters he expects to discuss; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Donald Thompson

The next EC Council of Fisheries Ministers is to be held on 28 November 1988. Present plans are that fish product guide prices for 1989 are to be discussed. Other items have yet to be tabled.