HC Deb 14 January 1991 vol 183 c389W
Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what information his Department has of undersized cod, plaice and sole being landed and sold at fishing ports in the Netherlands.

Mr. Curry

The enforcement of EC fisheries regulations in the Netherlands is a matter for the Dutch authorities. The EC Commission's inspectorate monitors enforcement arrangements in member states, but I have no information about the landing and sale of undersized fish in the Netherlands.

Mr. David Porter

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on how his Department informs fishing organisations, companies and individuals on sudden unexpected changes in the fishing regime around United Kingdom ports in general, and Lowestoft in particular.

Mr. Curry

Changes to fisheries management measures are publicised by means of a news release issued to the trade press, and at the same time Fisheries Departments write to national and local fishing organisations. Local fisheries officers also make every effort to inform fishermen in their area individually. Variations to fishing licences are issued by local port offices as soon as possible after the announcement.