§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will carry out a full survey, to be paid for by the aggregate dredging industry, of inshore fishing resources in any area scheduled for possible aggregate dredging, before the issuing of licences is considered.
§ Mr. CurryThe revised procedures for consideration of applications to dredge marine aggregate make provision for an environmental assessment where effects on the environment are likely to be significant. In deciding342W whether to require such an assessment, the Crown estate and the Department of the Environment must consider certain criteria including whether a commercial fishery, nursery area or spawning ground is involved. My Department will also make its own assessment of the potential effects, if any, of any dredging application on fishing and fisheries.
§ Mr. ColvinTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will undertake to consult the inshore fishing industry before he discusses the granting of licences for aggregate dredging with, and by, the Crown Conmissioners.
§ Mr. CurryUnder new arrangements recently agreed between the Crown Estate Commission and Government Departments, informal consultation between the Crown Estate Commission and the fishing industry is the first step in consideration of application for licences to extract aggregate from the seabed. Subsequently, formal consultation is held with all interested parties, including the fishing industry. This is a continuation of arrangements which have existed for many years.