§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what is his policy on consultation with interested parties, including fishing organisations, before quota swap agreements with other European Community countries are confirmed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. CurryWe consult the principal industry organisations, the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations and the Scottish Fishermen's Federation. Also potential quota swaps with other member states are discussed with interested producer organisations and at regular quota management meetings at which representatives from all Fisheries Departments and from the non-sector may be present.
§ Mr. David PorterTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will make a statement on the overfishing of plaice above quota level by Dutch fishermen for the past two years; and what are the implications of this for English east coast fishermen;
(2) what action he proposes to take at the next Council of Fisheries Ministers meeting, to restore confidence in (a) the Dutch Government enforcing quotas on plaice and (b) the overall regulating and monitoring of each country's plaice quota.
§ Mr. CurryEnforcement of Dutch quotas is a matter for the Dutch authorities and the European Commission. Recent events have indicated the seriousness with which this issue is regarded in the Netherlands.