HC Deb 05 February 1990 vol 166 c494W
Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what was the total catch in United Kingdom waters of basking sharks in 1989.

Mr. Curry

There is no requirement on United Kingdom fishermen to report catches of basking sharks but these are thought to be minimal. Norway may take basking sharks in United Kingdom waters as part of the annual EC-Norway fisheries arrangements, but catches in 1987, 1988 and the first part of 1989 were nil.

Mr. Morley

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he has any proposals to control catches of basking sharks by issuing licences.

Mr. Curry

No. The data available indicate that there has been no decline in the stock in Community waters since 1978.