§ Mr. HarrisTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement about the issue of klondyking licences in the mackerel fishery of the south-west of England.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonI have recently issued one time-limited klondyking licence valid until mid-March. The vessel concerned has a relatively limited processing capacity. Last year six vessels were licensed to klondyke in this fishery. Before issuing licences I take full account of the views of interested parties. In the case of the licence I have issued, I concluded that, especially in view of the proportion of mackerel landings which has gone for fishmeal, a limited klondyking operation was fully justified. It should have no damaging effects on the mackerel stock, bearing in mind the conservation measures which apply, including the extended south-west mackerel box.