Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what stage has been reached in his discussions with the Isle of Man Government about the376W creation of a 12-mile fishing limit around the Isle of Man; how the traditional rights of Northern Ireland fishing boats in these waters will be guaranteed; what provision is being made for fishing boats from Belgium, France and the Republic of Ireland in the waters around the Isle of Man; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe Territorial Sea Act 1987 made provision for the territorial sea adjacent to the Isle of Man to be extended to 12 miles. Discussions to implement this provision are nearing a conclusion. In respect of fishing, it is recognised that any arrangement to implement extension must safeguard the interests and traditional rights of all fishermen, including those from Northern Ireland, of all nationalities (British, French, Belgian, Irish) who currently have access to the area concerned.