§ Mr. SalmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what time scale has been set for the conclusion of the EFTA negotiations relating to fishing opportunities in the Community; and if he will give details;
472W(2) whether his Department has carried out an analysis of the impact on Scottish fishermen of any liberalisation of the trade in fish between Norway and the Community resulting from the EFTA discussions; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what discussions he has had with Scottish fishing interests in connection with the likely outcome and impact of the current European Free Trade Association negotiations; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythIt is hoped that the current EC-EFTA negotiations will be concluded by the end of July.
These negotiations cover a wide range of commodities and the Government are taking careful account of the potential impact of any agreement on the industries affected. This of course includes the fishing industry and officials have discussed these negotiations with the Scottish Fishermen's Federation.