§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the research on which the current Norwegian-European Community fisheries agreement quota for basking shark exploitation is based; whether the level of exploitation is sustainable; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonThe Norwegian quota for basking shark in Community waters is set as part of the annual EC-Norway fisheries agreement. Data available indicates that there has been no decline in the stock in Community waters since 1978. The annual quota has remained the same since 1985. I understand that Norway's catch in the Community zone has been nil in the last two years. The species will not therefore have been affected by fishing in Community waters.