§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food how many meetings he has had with representatives of the United Kingdom fishing industry in the past 12 months; and what was discussed.
§ Mr. Donald ThompsonMy right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food has had two extensive meetings with representatives of the fishing industry. Since I took on responsibility for fishing matters seven months ago, I have made eight visits to fishing areas, meeting a wide range of representatives during the course of the visits, and I have had four meetings in London. Many issues of local and national importance to the fishing industry have been fully aired on these occasions. Further we discuss issues in the margins of meetings of the EC Fisheries Ministers Council of which there were five in 1988.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what proposals he has to deal with the adverse structural difficulties of the fishing industry following his Department's consultation review in 1988.
§ Mr. Donald Thompson[holding reply 24 February 1989]: The comments received on our consultation paper raised a number of extra issues which we are considering further in consultation with industry organisations.