§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has further to improve the enforcing of European Community fishing regulations; and how he intends to negotiate with other European Community Ministers to ensure a uniform enforcement within the Community.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonEnforcement of Community fishing regulations by the United Kingdom is recognised as being of a standard which is one of the highest in the Community. The United Kingdom has also taken the lead in pressing for improvements in the enforcement performance of other member states, and will continue to do so. Largely due to our efforts, there have been real improvements in other member states over recent years, and Community rules in this area have also been strengthened. There is now a real penalty for member states if they overfish; the powers and complement of the Community inspectorate have been increased, and the council agree measures towards the end of last year which will improve enforcement in the case of vessels landing in a member state other than that in which it is registered. More recently the Commission has made a proposal which would provide Community funding to help improve member states' enforcement.