HC Deb 15 November 1990 vol 180 cc198-9W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what account was taken of the verdict in the legal action initiated by the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations on his previous decision on the Hague preference in his latest decision in that case.

Mr. Curry

The terms of the understanding reached with the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations were borne in mind in the decision-making process in 1990.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what account he took of the views of the Grimsby industry in allocating 3,255 tonnes of North sea haddock to Scotland after his consultation document of 8 August.

Mr. Curry

Fisheries Ministers took careful account of all the views received from the industry, including those of Grimsby.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the cost criteria used in deciding to allocate extra fish gained as a result of the Hague preference to north Britain; what is the area he has defined as north Britain; and what is the basis of his definition.

Mr. Curry

Fisheries Ministers decided on the definition of Bridlington and northwards as best meeting the needs of fishing communities given the circumstances which applied in 1990.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what assessment he has made of the loss of fish in tonnes to Grimsby, Fleetwood and Hull as a result of his decisions on the Hague preference.

Mr. Curry

Fisheries Ministers considered a range of options when deciding how to allocate west of Scotland whiting and North sea haddock in 1990. Some of those options involved allocating fish to Grimsby, Hull and Fleetwood. The total quantities involved in the allocation of these stocks were small.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will list the communities he has defined as communities in north Britain dependent on fishing.

Mr. Curry

For the purposes of the allocation of "Hague preference" North sea haddock and west of Scotland whiting in 1990 the local communities, particularly dependent on fishing and allied industries were defined as Bridlington and northwards, on the basis of all relevant information available to Fisheries Ministers.

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