§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what were the numbers of 0-group, 1-group and older fish in the sandeel catches in International Council for the Exploration of the Seas division VIa in each of the last five years.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe estimated numbers are as follows:
Thousands O-group 1-group 2+ 1986 3,065,660 1,845,060 873,010 1987 700,070 1,196,780 518,460 1988 967,187 258,855 2,352,518 1989 444,595 225,564 1,284,771 1990 411,994 628,767 761,519
§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what was the size of the sandeel catches in ICES division VIa in 1990; and what was the amount of fishing effort directed towards sandeel fishing and the home ports of vessels concerned.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythI refer the hon. Member to my previous answer on 23 November 1990, Vol. 181, col.243. The full year figures are now available and the information given on 23 November can be confirmed as reflecting the final position for 1990.