§ Sir Hector MonroTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has completed his review of the Inshore Fishing (Prohibition of Fishing and Fishing Methods) (Scotland) Order 1985; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythWe have carried out detailed consultations with the fishing industry during the past year on possible changes to the fishing regime in Scottish inshore waters. Having considered all the arguments, we have today issued a consultation paper, which will receive wide circulation, setting out our proposals for change. A copy of the document has been placed in the Library. Comments on the proposals from interested parties have been requested by 2 June. Once these have been considered we expect to lay before the House a new order under the Inshore Fishing (Scotland) Act 1984.